Why Do Some NRIs Support BJP Despite its Policies?

It is a common misconception to assume that a large majority of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) support the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). In fact, a significant number of NRIs who migrated from India post-independence, their descendants, and their connections often have a misunderstanding about how the BJP will address the policies and issues that plagued India under earlier administrations. This article aims to provide clarity on why some NRIs support the BJP despite its perceived policies and actions.

Perception and Reality: A Closer Look

Many Indians who migrated to Western countries did so due to the lack of opportunities in their home country. Gujaratis and Punjabis, in particular, saw business and entrepreneurial opportunities that led to their prosperity. Meanwhile, South Indians made significant contributions to the United States' science and technology sectors. Old-generation migrants, who experienced the hardships under dynastic rule of the Congress party, especially during the emergency declared by Indira Gandhi, noticed a change in mindset towards the BJP.

The more educated and prosperous they become, the more disenchanted they are with the dynastic rule and its policies. The BJP's continued prosecution of British and other legacy policies, coupled with increased vigour and viciousness, has only strengthened this sentiment among NRIs. Operation Blue Star and the anti-Sikh riots of 1984 contributed to the decay of the Congress party, and the BJP capitalized on this by portraying itself as a protector of the nation against minority appeasement policies. This message resonated with many NRIs, who increasingly saw the BJP as a stronger and more secure option.

The Ground Truth Ignored by NRIs

While NRIs have their own perception of Indian politics, it is crucial to understand the reality faced by common Indians. One prominent example is in the state of Uttar Pradesh (UP), which has been governed by the BJP for many years. Despite this, the everyday struggles of Indians go largely unnoticed by NRIs.

A recent incident in UP highlights the stark reality that NRIs often fail to grasp. School children in UP were seen eating salt and roti, a scenario that reflects the harsh living conditions in the region. Astonishingly, the BJP government in UP refused to acknowledge this reality, as it was believed to be a form of maligning the government. Journalists who attempted to bring this to light were threatened with legal action. This demonstrates the gap between the perception of NRIs and the harsh realities faced by Indians.

The case that exemplifies this gap is when the police lodged a case against a journalist and a village head representative for recording a video of school children being served roti and salt as their midday meal. This incident underscores the suppression of honest reporting and the BJP's reluctance to acknowledge and address the needs and struggles of the common people.

The NRIs' Perception of BJP

Numerous NRIs, particularly those from educated and affluent backgrounds, rely on their incomplete and often misleading information to support the BJP. This is often attributed to their limited access to accurate and comprehensive information about the ground situation in India.

One reason for this support is the misconception that the BJP is a protector against perceived threats to national security, such as minority appeasement policies. While this perceived security might seem attractive, it needs to be balanced against the reality faced by common Indians. The harsh realities of life in regions like UP, where children suffer from hunger, are often swept under the rug by the BJP's narrative.

Conclusion

While it is true that some NRIs do support the BJP, it is important to recognize the underlying reasons and misperceptions that fuel this support. The BJP's policies and actions, while perhaps appealing to a specific subset of NRIs, often clash with the grassroots realities faced by Indians. As NRIs become more informed about the true state of affairs in India, they might need to reassess their support for the BJP.

NRIs play a crucial role in India's development, and their political choices can significantly impact the country. It is essential for them to be well-informed to make educated decisions that reflect the best interests of both India and their own communities.