A far-right Hindu group which has been one of Donald Trump’s most avid overseas cheerleaders began celebrating in New Delhi yesterday as the Republican pulled off a shock US presidential election victory.
Vishnu Gupta, chief of the ultra-nationalist Hindu Sena outfit, said supporters had taken to the streets to bang traditional drums even before Trump claimed victory and would also distribute celebratory sweets.
Trump has called for a ban on all Muslims entering the United States and Gupta said his message had wide resonance.
“We predicted that he would win five days ago – there is a huge support for him, his ideas, and we could see that,” Gupta said.
“Now terrorists will be hunted everywhere in the world, even if they go and hide in a cave. India will now have the support of the US in our efforts against terrorists. We will be together in this.
“Donald Trump will do what no other US president has been able to do before. We are happy. All terrorists should now run and hide.”
Gupta’s group held a special prayer session for Trump in New Delhi back in May when he was seen as a long shot for the presidency, hailing him as a “fighter and a saviour of humanity.”
They also celebrated his birthday in June with a cake, balloons and posters.
l The US embassy in New Delhi was abuzz with activity since early morning.
The lawn of US Ambassador Richard Verma’s residence at the Roosevelt House, within the embassy precincts in the Chanakyapuri diplomatic enclave, was decked up with a giant screen providing live updates on the counting of votes.
Staff and guests thronged the venue since early morning. As updates continued to pour in, the neck-and-neck race only deepened the suspense over the eventual winner.
Many expressed surprise over the really close contest.