Biden-Harris did all they could, but inflation shaped voter sentiment: Suhas Subramanyam

Suhas Subramanyam, a newly elected member of the US House of Representatives from Virginia, believes that economic concerns were central to the recent election outcome, as Americans turned their attention to immediate financial stability over other pressing issues.

Speaking to CNBC-TV18, he noted that Biden and Harris took office during a period of severe economic strain, much of it tied to the inflationary pressures that followed substantial government spending aimed at pandemic recovery.

“Kamala Harris and Joe Biden did everything they could for the community,” he remarked, acknowledging that economic policies designed to counter the COVID-19 recession, while necessary, came with their own economic repercussions.

Voters, Subramanyam observed, expressed frustrations with inflation and the broader economic picture, frustrations that have similarly shaped electoral results in other countries around the world.

While some voters might have considered Kamala Harris as a potential nominee for a steadier administration, ultimately, economic concerns took precedence, he said.

Subramanyam added that with Donald Trump’s control over both the Senate and possibly the House, the former president now has the platform to enact substantial economic and social policies. Subramanyam, however, intends to adopt a “wait and watch” approach, balancing his role as a member of Congress with his dedication to addressing the needs of his Virginia constituents.

In terms of international relations, Subramanyam strongly advocated for an improved India-US partnership, which he sees as essential to fostering economic growth and stability for both nations. He believes that economic synergy between the two democracies offers immense potential on fronts such as technology and innovation, where collaborative efforts can lead to job creation and enhanced global influence.

“I want to make sure that we don’t put any policies in place that would prevent the US and India from working together on a number of economic fronts,” he explained, underscoring his support for policies that encourage US companies to establish a presence in India and vice versa.

In his view, a thriving defence partnership could be an important step for both countries as they look to navigate the strategic complexities of the Asian region. He noted that defence cooperation is already underway but expressed hope for an expansion in arms deals and other defence collaborations that would allow India and the US to present a united front on security matters.

Subramanyam is the first Indian American to represent the state of Virginia, bringing a unique perspective to Capitol Hill. As a Democrat, he joins the ranks of five other Indian American legislators in what has come to be known as the “Samosa Caucus.”

A lawyer by training and a former technology policy advisor under President Obama, Subramanyam’s career in public service has been marked by a commitment to community-driven economic policies and a deep understanding of cross-cultural diplomacy.

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