A pivotal road in Hyderabad, which is the headquarters of the US Consulate in the state, has finally been named after US President Donald Trump, highlighting his incomparable popularity among some part of the Indian population. The street, which was known as the US Consulate Road earlier was renamed during the ceremony, in which US Ambassador to Telangana Sergio Gore and Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka jointly unveiled the plaque to mark the change.
The move has been highlighted not just because of Trump’s international political heft but also because of his special following in India. Trump has built up a loyal constituency in a number of states over the years. He has also been popular – his fans sometimes showing their appreciation in strange ways outside of politics.
Chief among the many cases discussed is one temple in Telangana dedicated to Donald Trump, for which supporters have prayed and hung images of the American leader. Followers have also thrown other political events related to his career, birthday parties and public gatherings.
Trump is seen as being assertive and firm as a leader by many, and having strong relations with India during his tenure. His visibility among the Indian audience went up when he campaigned in the USA in the “Howdy Modi” rally and visited Ahmedabad for the “Namaste Trump” event.
Many see the renaming of the Hyderabad road as yet another testament to the robust India-U.S. people-to-people ties and political will, that have blossomed in recent years.