As the Iowa caucuses loom just a day away, Indian-American voters in the state express a sense of abandonment by 2024 Republican presidential hopeful Nikki Haley. Despite being a "proud daughter of Indian immigrants," Haley has not actively courted Indian-American voters in the Hawkeye State, according to a New York Times report.
The two-time South Carolina Governor and former UN ambassador officially launched her presidential bid on February 15, emphasizing her Indian heritage. However, leaders of prominent Indian-American groups have reported unsuccessful attempts to engage the Haley campaign for events at temples, town hall-style gatherings, or house parties.
The lack of outreach has left some members feeling frustrated and alienated, raising questions about Haley's willingness to engage in dialogue with Indian Americans. Prakash Kopparapu, chairman of the Indo American PAC-IA, emphasized the importance of understanding who the candidate is willing to engage with.
Himanshu Pathak, former president of the Indo American Association of Iowa, speculated that Haley might perceive the Indian-American electorate as too small to make a significant impact. However, he countered this perception, stating that while the community's numbers may be relatively low, they are increasing day by day.
In contrast, fellow Indian-American presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has actively engaged with the community in Iowa, making appearances at the Hindu Temple and Cultural Center. He is also scheduled to participate in an event organized by the Indo American PAC-IA this week.
Despite Haley leading other GOP rivals, a recent poll indicates she still trails behind former President Donald Trump in Iowa. Indian-Americans, constituting nearly 1% of all registered voters in the US, are considered influential in battleground states. Historically leaning Democratic, the community supported President Joe Biden by 72% in 2020, Hillary Clinton by 77% in 2016, and Barack Obama by 84% in 2012.
(With Agency Inputs)
