One could scarcely have charted a more unlikely rise in American politics by an Indian-American. His emergence as a poster boy for the Republican Party is surprising enough. According to a 2006 study, 70 per cent of Indian-Americans are registered as Democrats, while only seven per cent are registered as Republicans. Jindal’s success in Louisiana, of all states, is even more stupefying. It is a state where race plays a significant, and divisive role in politics. Also, only 1.4 per cent of the population is ethnic Asian, and only a fraction of that is Indian.

Given his successes, it would be surprising if Jindal does not already harbour ambitions of occupying the US’s highest office. The question for him would be whether this year’s election presents itself as a prime opportunity to get his name on a presidential ballot. It would certainly be tempting. Even a failure to win the election would enhance his profile nationally, and he is certainly young enough to run again.

Indian-Americans, and Indians, have been swift in celebrating Jindal. Among other accolades, he was named India Abroad Person of the Year in 2005. But some would say that he is the object of undeserved adulation from these quarters.

His conversion to Catholicism in early adulthood, for example, may be inoffensive, but it is his zeal for his newfound faith that is sometimes shocking. Not only has Jindal espoused the teaching of ‘intelligent design’ in schools as an alternate theory to evolution and made evident his desire to ban abortions (even in many cases of rape), but he reportedly wishes to repeal hate crime laws which are dear to many Indian-Americans. When he does speak publicly of his land of origin, he uses it to reflect the hurdles his parents had to overcome to achieve the American dream. Jindal’s personal development, while no doubt a vital factor in ensuring his appeal among Louisiana voters, also smacks terribly of desi apostasy.

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