TOI
 
Cleveland / Ohio, June 24:  "Indian Americans have arrived in the US and it is only a matter of time before we see them break the next level in politics," thinks Jay Goyal.

The 27-year-old is the first Indian and Asian American to be elected to the Ohio House of Representatives in 2006.

Considered as the next Bobby Jindal (governor, State of Lousiana, USA) in the making, Goyal was named the young democrat of the year in 2007.

He represents the Richland County (District 73), majority population being blue collared workers. Speaking to TOI on the sidelines of his fund-raiser as he seeks re-election to the Ohio assembly, Goyal came out in full support of the Indo-US nuclear deal.

He said, "As India and US came closer, energy was a key area where strong benefits can be exchanged."

He, however, added, "The non-ratifying of the deal by the Indian parliament could create hesitation in the future to move with such kind of deals." Reliving his election experience, US-born Goyal said when he decided to contest in 2006, it was hard for him because people could not fathom how could a 25-year-old brown guy represent them.

Some were polite, as they said he was too young, but the more more straight-forward ones actually asked that what did he know about the requirements about the people of United States of America, added Goyal.

"However, when the results came about, I had 63% of the votes, second highest by any democrat," said a gleaming Goyal.

"I think time is not far when we will see an Asian-American contesting for US presidency, said Goyal.Originally from Indore, Goyal's parents shifted to the US in the 70s.