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The 2024 US presidential election, much like a heated Indian general election, has been characterized by close contests, heated rhetoric, and a convergence of issues that resonate deeply with both countries. The article draws striking parallels between the campaign issues and tactics employed in the US and India, highlighting the interconnectedness of political concerns in a globalized world, particularly the rise of right-wing politics.
One of the most prominent parallels is the skepticism surrounding electronic voting machines (EVMs). In the US, Trump, echoing concerns raised by the Indian opposition, questioned the reliability of EVMs, alleging potential compromise of election integrity. This concern has manifested in both countries, with India's Congress party regularly raising the issue of EVM fraud. The US, however, faces the added challenge of EVMs over a decade old, further exacerbating concerns about their reliability.
The issue of illegal immigration and its impact on national identity has also resonated strongly in both countries. The BJP in India has capitalized on this issue, using it as a key poll plank, especially in the context of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the perceived threat of illegal immigration from neighboring countries. Similarly, Trump, in his campaign, repeatedly criticized the Democratic party for allowing a surge in illegal immigration, portraying himself as the candidate who can effectively address this issue. The article notes that multiple polls indicate illegal immigration as a top voter concern in the US, further highlighting the issue's significance in both nations.
The article further emphasizes the anxieties surrounding the future of democracy in both countries. The Trump campaign, mirroring the Congress party in India, alleged that the Democratic party posed a threat to democracy in the US. Elon Musk, a prominent Trump supporter, went so far as to claim that a Democratic victory would signal the end of free and fair elections in the US. These anxieties, fueled by the perceived threat to democratic institutions, resonate with the concerns expressed by the Indian opposition regarding the erosion of constitutional values and the integrity of democratic processes.
In conclusion, the article paints a picture of a world increasingly interconnected in its political anxieties and concerns. The 2024 US presidential election, mirroring the contentious campaigns in India, underscores the shared challenges faced by democracies in an era of rising populism, distrust of institutions, and the increasingly complex issue of immigration. The article serves as a reminder that while nations may be separated by geographical boundaries, their political landscapes are intertwined, reflecting a shared human experience of anxieties, aspirations, and the search for a stable and secure future.
Source: Not India but Indiana. Why US polls are sounding like an Indian election