(Image source from: russiancouncil.ru)

The Indian general elections are afoot and Indian diaspora across the United States is campaigning to make their favorite leader win while some are coming back home to cast their valuable vote.

The issues like sustained economic growth, national security, and protection of democratic values are among significant poll priorities for the Indian diaspora across the U.S. as it galvanizes support for various political parties.

The Indian American community group recently organized an election campaign event in New York, voicing its support for the Bharatiya Janata Party and Narendra Modi in the 2019 elections.

Modi supporters with slogans 'Abki bar 400 paar', among the diaspora said they are confident that he will return to power for a second term.

American India Public Affairs Committee president Jagdish Sewhani said the 2019 general elections are very important for the future of India. "National security is a top priority of the BJP," he said, adding that another term for Modi will ensure sustained economic growth and development in the country.

Members of the Indian American community organized and took part in several programs across the U.S., including a 'Chowkidar March' in New Jersey, car rallies in Virginia and Washington, which traveled 12 miles.

A 'chai pe charcha' was organized in New Jersey and other cities including Detroit, Pittsburg, Boston, Columbus, Cleveland, Chicago, Atlanta, Tampa, Houston, Austin, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle.

In the meantime, the advocacy group 'Coalition for the Defence of the Constitution and Democracy' held a 'Defence of Democracy' rally in the city. 

The rally was co-sponsored by other groups such as Alliance for a Democratic and Secular South Asia, Coalition for a Democratic India and Dalit Solidarity Forum (DSF) and Indian American Muslim Council.

"The BJP government has also been responsible for systematic erosion and weakening of democratic values and institutions," the Coalition said in a statement. It called for ensuring free and fair elections.

The Coalition also said that lynchings of Muslims and Dalits must be stopped and perpetrators to be prosecuted.

By Sowmya Sangam