Members of the Indian-American community have embraced his victory, and there is some talk that Jindal could help bring that community — which has traditionally leaned toward the Democratic party — into the Republican fold. On the other hand, his conservatism places him at odds with the views of many — probably a majority — of Indian-Americans. For instance, he opposes hate crimes legislation, favoured by many minorities as a necessary legal protection.

The recent years have seen a lot of happy talk about the Indian-American community coming of age politically. The community’s role in persuading the US Congress to support President Bush’s civilian nuclear agreement with India is often cited as a case in point. The large sums of money donated by the community to political candidates is seen as another indication that Indian-Americans have become key players in the political arena. Jindal’s victory in Louisiana will now be trumpeted as further proof that the community has joined the political mainstream.

Such claims ought to be tempered. In the case of the nuclear agreement — now shelved, at least temporarily, until New Delhi can sort out its political differences — it is exceedingly difficult to substantiate the boasts of community leaders who brag that they delivered Congress. It is one thing to hire lobbyists, host political fund-raisers, and visit congressional offices. It is quite another to demonstrate that these efforts actually swayed votes.

Compared to 20 years ago, the Indian-American community has made giant strides in claiming its right to participate fully in the American political process. Still, Indian-Americans must take care to distinguish between the appearance of power and the actual possession of power. Too often, they still seem willing to accept photo-ops and largely meaningless congressional resolutions commemorating Diwali as a substitute for genuine influence.

... contd.