What is the 'Samosa Caucus?' How has it changed after US election?

Vice President Kamala Harris has lost her bid to become president of the United States.

Harris, who is of Indian-origin, was vying to become the first woman and person of colour to become US president.

However, Harris wasn’t the only one running for high office.

This Election Day in the United States witnessed the ‘Samosa Caucus’ in Congress has expanded.

But what is it? And how has it changed after the US election?

Let’s take a closer look:

What is it?

The term refers to the growing number of Indian-Americans in Congress.

The caucus, which is an informal grouping, is named after the popular Indian snack.

As per Indian Express, Raja Krishnamoorthy, member of the US House of Representatives from Illinois’s 8th District, coined the nomenclature.

The caucus previously comprised five members in Congress – Shamal Thanedar (68) from Michigan’s 13th District, Dr Ami Bera (58) from California’s 6th District, Ro Khanna from the California’s 17th District of California, Pramila Jayapal from Washington’s 7th District and Krishnamoorthy.

All five members have been re-elected to Congress.

However, the caucus has now expanded to include a sixth member.

As per India Today, Suhas Subramanyam made history by becoming the first Indina-American to be elected from Virginia to the US House of Congress.

Subramanyam, presently a Virginia State Senator, defeated Republican Mike Clancy.

He previously served as a White House advisor to President Barack Obama.

“I am honoured and humbled that the people of Virginia’s 10th District put their trust in me to take on the toughest fights and deliver results in Congress. This district is my home. I got married here, my wife Miranda and I are raising our daughters here, and the issues our community faces are personal to our family. It is an honour to continue serving this district in Washington,” Subramanyam was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.

Thanedar, explaining the reasons for a Harris loss, told News18, “Possibly look at the order people, the people who are trying to make a meat they struggling to put food on the table. They’re struggling to pay for medicine. They have to make hard choices, whether they have to use the money to buy medicine or heat their homes or buy their groceries $100 isn’t bringing today the amount of groceries that they used to be able to bring four years ago now you have, Harris was looked as a little more of an elite candidate.”

The ‘Samosa Caucus’ might even get a seventh member.

This is possible if Amish Shah, who is running in Arizona’s 1st Congressional district, wins his election.

Shah, a Democratic, is facing Republican incumbent David Schweikett.

Shah has 132,712 votes compared to Schweikett’s 128,606 votes.

Around 63 per cent of the votes were in.

“While the battles for control of the White House and Congress remain close, I am honoured that the people of Illinois’ 8th District have extended my contract to represent them in Congress,” Krishnamoorthi said as per India Today.

“My parents came to this country with little more than a dream for their family’s future and the faith that they could achieve it here in America,” Krishnamoorthi added. “Despite some hard times, we did.”

“My mission in Congress is to fight for all the other families that are pursuing their dreams, no matter where they come from, how they worship, or the number of letters in their names… there are 29 in mine.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his 2023 trip to the United States made reference to the ‘Samosa Caucus.’

The prime minister, addressing a joint sitting of the US Congress, said, “The foundation of America was inspired by the vision of a nation of equal people. Throughout your history, you have embraced people from around the world. And, you have made them equal partners in the American dream. There are millions here, who have roots in India. Some of them sit proudly in this chamber.”

“There is one behind me, who has made history!” he added referring to Vice President Kamala Harris.

“I am told that the Samosa Caucus is now the flavour of the House. I hope it grows and brings the full diversity of Indian cuisine here,” he added.

With inputs from agencies

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