US Midterms: Democrats Take Congress, But Why Is India Drawing Parallels With Modi Government?

The US midterm elections have led to unexpected euphoria back home in India. People who wouldn't have cared so much about Sitalkuchi are today exultant about South Carolina. Those who wouldn't have given Kanpur the time of day are convinced that Kansas is a sign. Why? Because the results of the midterms have delivered a setback to US President Donald Trump's Republicans. Democrats have seized control of both houses of Congress. After earlier seizing the House of Representatives, Democrats have now flipped Senate seats in at least four states, including traditional Republican strongholds Texas, Kansas and South Carolina. The election results set up a confrontational final two years of Trump's time in the White House. Now, you would wonder: so what? I mean, it's good to see what's happening in other countries, but why should someone in India be so invested in the US midterms? Well, that is because, as usual, these midterms are being seen as a MID TERM of sorts for the Modi government as well. As soon as the results trickled in from Washington, many in New Delhi spied the beginning of the end for Modi Sarkar. After POTUS, they declared, it will be the turn of LOTUS.