This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
LA’s overseas Indians pitch in for Modi
Members of the Overseas Friends of the BJP held a 'Chai Pe Charcha" event for Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Irvine in April 2019.
(
Courtesy OFBJP-LA
)
Listen
4:16
LA’s overseas Indians pitch in for Modi
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is up for reelection. As head of the right-wing religious Bharatiya Janata Party, or BJP, he’s a polarizing figure in the world’s largest democracy.
But Modi’s “India First” economic reforms and promises to clean up India’s corruption and environment have made him popular, not just in India, but with many Indian-Americans in Los Angeles County.
Although more than 60% of Indian Americans vote for Democrats in U.S. elections, India's far-right BJP has much more organized and vocal support here than its secular rival, the Indian National Congress.
Tens of thousands of Modi supporters have mobilized at local Hindu temples in Norwalk and Anaheim. They've also organized via Whatsapp groups, urging their friends and family members in India to vote for Modi in the election, which began April 11 and ends May 19.
You can read more at LAist.com.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
