WASHINGTON: Dynamic Indian-American congressman Ro Khanna, 47, is on track to run for US president, his Indian-American colleagues in the US House of Representatives believe.
Congressman Pramila Jayapal and Congresswoman Shri Thanedar made the remarks during a panel discussion at the annual Indian American Impact Summit here, hosted by moderator Zoreen Shah. ABC National The correspondent asked the panelists to answer her questions with “yes” or “no.”
“Will Ro Khanna run for president?” she asked. “Yes, yes. That's exactly right,” Mr. Thanedar said to cheers from the Indian-American audience. Khanna represents California's 17th Congressional District, which is primarily comprised of Silicon Valley.
“You know what?” Kanna said between laughs. “The answer is yes,” Pramila Jayapal said. “And we all know that,” she said. “We'll see,” said Dr. Ami Bera, the most senior Indian-American member of the U.S. House of Representatives.
All four made a rare appearance together at the Impact Summit, participating in a panel discussion on “Decision Making,” at the end of which Shah asked a series of rapid-fire questions.
“How many years will it be until we have an Indian-American president?” Shah asked.
“It's been less than 10 years,” Dr. Vera said.
“It’s coming soon,” Jayapal said.
“Within 10 years,” Khanna replied.
“Within four years,” Sanedar replied.
When asked about their favorite Indian movies, Thanedar said “Kabhi Khushi, Kabhi Ghum'', for Khanna it was “Mr India'' and for Jayapal it was “Lagan''. Bela says she has never watched a Hindi movie.
“Who will play you in the biopic? A Bollywood star or a Hollywood Indian” was another question they were asked.
Mr Vera told Dev Patel: Jayapal said Mindy Kaling. Khanna said to Kal Penn. “Of course, Shah Rukh Khan,” Thanedar said.
“Indian food and snacks should be avoided, but not avoided,” Shah asked the first rapid-fire question. “A host of Indian sweets. “We should stay away from them, but we can't,'' said Bela. “Anything fried, especially pakoras,'' Jayapal said.
“I love halwa,” Khanna said. “Radus” was Thanedar’s answer.
“On-time or digi-time?” was another question asked by Mr. Shah.
“Digitime,” said Thanedar.
“It's desi time, but I've gotten better because I want to get married,” Khanna said amidst laughter.
“Digitime is my reality, but punctuality is who I am,” Jayapal said. “You're on time,” Bella said.
issued May 17, 2024, 02:25 IST