Gujarati Diaspora in US welcome Obama's victory

Ahmedabad, Nov 05 (UNI) Gujaratis in the US, who have been on the side of Democrats for a long time now, have welcomed the election of Barack Obama to the office of the President of the country.

Mr Krishnakant Vakhariya, President, Vishva Gujarati Samaj, a leading organisation representing overseas Gujaratis, said the Vishva Gujarati Samaj has been constantly in touch with Gujaratis in the US, who have played an important role in the victory of Mr Barak Obama as president of the US.'' There are around 10 lakh Gujaratis in the US and two lakh of them are eligible for voting.

''Mr Obama has been successful in conveying the message that he understands and appreciates the problems of immigrants. He has closely interacted with many leading Gujaratis of the US, Mr Vakhariya said.

Mr Vakhariya said, ''From the Indian persepective, Mr Obama possesses an Asian background which will be helpful in strengthening the relations between two countries. He has openly declared his liking for India during his election campaigns. He will also be helpful in the implementation of the nuclear deal with the US.

''According to our estimate, 90 per cent Gujaratis in the world over, who have bore the brunt of terrorism, are happy with Mr Obama's victory as he has vowed to fight terrorism and declared his intention to eliminate main sponsers of terrorism, the Taliban, from the hilly areas of Pakistan and Afganistan,'' Mr Vakhriya said.

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