Political India: Engaging America

Even as the United States has grappled with difficult questions of religious tolerance especially since the 9/11 terror attacks, Islam has often been at the centre of this debate. Yet ever so often the slanted views of a few individuals tarnish the image of other religions as well, and this week Hinduism appeared in the spotlight.

The furore was centred on Kentucky Governor Democrat Steve Beshear, who last week participated in a Hindu “ground blessing” ceremony, to mark the opening of an Indian firm, Flex Film, in his home state.

Shortly after the event Mr. Beshear’s rival in the upcoming gubernatorial elections this month, Republican candidate David Williams, attacked the Governor’s involvement in the ceremony, saying “He’s there participating with Hindu priests, participating in a religious ceremony.... He’s sitting down there with his legs crossed, participating in Hindu prayers with a dot on his forehead with incense burning around him. I don't know what the man was thinking.”

Noting that that he had declined to participate in Hindu ceremonies abroad because “that would be idolatry,” Mr. Williams, currently the Kentucky State Senate President, added, “To get down and get involved and participate in prayers to these polytheistic situations, where you have these Hindu gods that they are praying to, doesn't appear to me to be in line with what a governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky ought to be doing.”

His remarks provoked a sharp backlash from both the Governor’s office, as well as a host of other Indian-American politicians across U.S. states. In comments to The Hindu Matt Erwin, Campaign Spokesperson for Mr. Beshear, said, “These are pathetic and desperate remarks by a candidate facing a devastating defeat at the polls next Tuesday.” Mr. Beshear is said to be a strong favourite to win re-election in November and led by 31 points in an early October poll.

Mr. Erwin noted that Governor Beshear was proud of his administration’s engagement with India, especially the fact that after his second visit to India 250 new jobs and a $180 million investment were being established in Elizabethtown. “As members of the global economy, Kentuckians respect their cultures and traditions, and welcome their investments,” Mr. Erwin said.

After the event Mr. Beshear said, “While I can't say for sure that this is the first time that a boomy pooshim ceremony has been performed for a business on Kentucky soil, I can certainly say that I don't want it to be the last one.”

Indian-American lawmakers in Maryland joined in the condemnation of Mr. Williams’ remarks. Maryland Majority leader and Democrat Kumar Barve said to The Hindu, “There is a long history of desperate candidates attempting to resort to ethnic and religious stereotyping as a means of scoring cheap political point. Williams’ comments fall into that category of behaviour.”

His colleague and State Delegate Aruna Miller added, “In the difficult times we face... I cannot fathom why anyone would choose to use such inflammatory language instead of celebrating the economic impact and jobs the plant will create.”

Labels: David Williams, Democrat Steve Beshear, Hindu ceremony, Kentucky Governor, religious row