Their Bobby, our Bobby | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Their Bobby, our Bobby

Hindustan Times | By
Oct 22, 2007 10:26 PM IST

For a country that spent a good while debating about whether a foreigner born outside India could be a PM or not, it’s quite cute to see the same worthies claim Jindal as our son.

Bobby Jindal Zindabad! The Republican Formerly Known as Piyush Jindal, has become the Governor of Louisiana. But before one breaks into a bhangra in the barn, it would be useful to note that Mr Jindal’s becoming the youngest Governor in the United States has little to do with his roots or race. While some of us desis now reckon that his governorship is another example of Indians spreading the good work, it would be wise to remember that Mr Jindal has got the top job because of voters perceiving him as the man who can deliver the goods. Nothing less, nothing more.

HT Image
HT Image

For a country that spent a good while debating about whether a foreigner born outside India could be a Prime Minister or not — regardless of the Indian Constitution having no problem with it as long as she is an Indian citizen — it’s quite cute to see the same worthies claim Mr Jindal as a sada puttar. The atavistic nature of identifying a person by the colour of his skin hasn’t quite become passé in India. For better or for worse, any ‘Indian connection’ — even if it’s Kim Thayil of the 1990s rock band Soundgarden or Vikash Dhorasoo of the French football squad — is lapped up by us non-NRIs.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

This is not to deny Mr Jindal our admiration and congratulations. And we are tickled by the fact that Louisiana, not exactly a model for race relations in the past, has chosen a brown neck as its governor. So will there be a time when India chooses chief ministers who aren’t from the states’ ‘stock’ community? A Marathi as a Chief Minister of UP? A Bengali as UP CM? You don’t have to reply.

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Arvind Kejriwal News Live, Bihar Board 10th Result 2024 Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On