Reuters/New Delhi
Diplomat Devyani Khobragade could have a political career for the asking. Ahead of national elections that must be held by May, parties are preparing to crown her as a hero in a case seen as standing up to the US and, if she wanted, offer her a political career.
It signals how the case has stirred nationalist feelings among many Indians. There is no sign that Khobragade, 39, is considering politics.
The foreign ministry, which fully backed her in her month-long battle against US prosecutors, has said she will be given a new assignment in New Delhi. But one party based in her home state of Maharashtra said it would talk to her about running for parliament.
“We will be meeting her soon. She is an inspiration to the people of our country,” said Mayur Borkar, the spokesman of the Republican Party of India. “We are going to offer her a ticket.”
Another political group, the Samajwadi party which governs Uttar Pradesh and is one of the most important regional parties, has offered Khobragade a seat from the state even though she is an outsider. “Whatever happened with her is condemnable,” said Azam Khan, the state’s urban development minister.
A government official said that Khobragade had been transferred to New Delhi and suggested it was too early to determine the nature of her new assignment. “Let us focus on her return. After her return, the government will think about further action,” the official said.
Khobragade would have to quit the diplomatic service if she were to choose a political career. It is not unusual for government officials to enter politics, but most have done so after retirement.
Before New York, Khobragade, who is a medical doctor by training, was posted in Germany, Italy and Pakistan.
Within India’s diplomatic service, a posting to Pakistan is considered one of the most difficult assignments and usually only the brightest officers are sent there, an official said. Khobragade served a three-year term in Pakistan from 2007 even though the government gives officers the option to move out after a year because of difficult security conditions.
“She didn’t have a problem in Islamabad where you would expect to face challenges. This (the row) happened in a country supposed to be a strategic partner,” the official said.