New Delhi: Donald Trump is back—and so is his statue in a Telangana village. Built by a local admirer in 2018, it had fallen into neglect after the owner’s death in 2020. But the news of Trump’s victory in the US presidential election saw villagers gather round to celebrate. They cleaned the six-foot statue, which had gathered dust, and were clapping, pouring milk on it, garlanding it and showering it with flowers like an idol Wednesday even as Trump delivered his victory speech.
The statue was built by the late Bussa Krishna, who became known locally as ‘Trump Krishna’ for his fervent devotion to the billionaire politician. Even the village—Konne in Jangaon district, with a population of around 5,000—is now known as ‘Trump’s village’, according to Vancha Reddy, Krishna’s childhood friend and a ward member.
“After Krishna’s death, no one worshipped the idol, but because Trump’s victory was such a big one, we celebrated it as a remembrance of Krishna and his love for Trump,” Reddy told ThePrint over the phone.
He added: “Everyone was eagerly waiting for the results, watching the news. Once Trump’s victory was announced, the villagers gathered in front of the statue and celebrated by showering flowers on it.”
According to Reddy, Krishna, who died of a cardiac arrest at the age of 33, had built the statue in front of his house with lakhs of his own money, used to worship it daily and took great care in cleaning it. When Trump tested positive for COVID-19, Krishna fasted and prayed for his wellbeing.
It was a proper puja that Krishna used to perform, just as one would for a deity—with flowers, coconuts and even arti. Through this, according to Reddy, he hoped to help foster greater understanding between the two countries.
Krishna’s house used to be covered with posters featuring Trump’s image, including ones showing him shaking hands with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Trump’s name was everywhere—even written on the wooden windows.
Now, Reddy said, people are often seen cleaning or admiring the statue while passing by Krishna’s house.
“We celebrated Trump’s victory and always take care of the statue only to honour Krishna and his love for Trump,” added 35-year-old Reddy.
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