Bhubaneswar: Odias in America welcomed Democratic electoral gains in the US midterm polls, citing checks on presidential power, dissatisfaction with Trump administration policies and concerns over immigration, living costs and foreign policy.“People felt relieved, as reflected in a stock market rise of more than 1,500 points,” said Akshaya Mohanty, a businessman from Rhode Island. He attributed voter sentiment to Trump’s tariff policy, the Iran war and rising petrol and food prices, saying tariffs had alienated longstanding allies, including Europe, Canada and India.He said Trump would remain President for two years, but only time would tell whether he would become a lame duck or veto President. Democratic gains would restore the constitutional balance of power and prevent one party from dominating policy decisions, said Mohanty.Som Mohanty from Boston said many Indian Americans who voted for the Republicans in the last presidential election had become concerned about Trump administration policies, renewing their preference for Democrats.He said losses for an incumbent President’s party in midterm elections were historically common and usually slowed the President’s agenda. “Progress would depend on Trump’s ability to negotiate with opponents in Congress,” he said, adding that Trump’s stated intention to use his presidential veto suggested little willingness to compromise.Som said Indian Americans were not politically monolithic, with substantial sections supporting Republicans while others traditionally leaned towards Democrats. He listed H-1B visa restrictions, green card backlogs, family reunification, deportation policies, anti-immigrant rhetoric, healthcare and insurance costs, housing affordability, education expenses and uncertainty in technology and professional employment among community concerns.Manorama Choudhury, a Boston-based Odia philanthropist, said, “I’m glad the country woke up from its slumber and took stock of the damage of the past few years. Seeing both Senate and governor’s races flip from red to blue in states like Texas, Iowa and Ohio gives me hope for our democracy. I’m especially happy to see voters put their trust in women leaders and it’s a proud moment to see Indian American candidates and from many other backgrounds elected to represent their communities.”She said Democratic gains would bring greater diversity and accountability, while opposition and debate could encourage citizens to demand more from politicians. “Indians hold diverse and polarising political opinions and the impact would become clearer in the coming days,” she added.