In Telangana’s Konne village, a unique temple dedicated to former U.S. President Donald Trump has once again captured attention. Recently, locals gathered at this unusual shrine, not only to celebrate Trump’s success but also to remember Bussa Krishna, a devoted follower who built this temple as a testament to his admiration. Krishna’s friends and family fondly recalled his intense devotion, noting that he would have been elated by Trump’s victory if he were still alive.
The Origins of Krishna’s Devotion
Krishna’s devotion to Trump emerged in 2019, when he expressed his admiration publicly by tweeting, “I like you…I want to meet you.” To his delight, Trump retweeted with a simple response: “OK.” This acknowledgment fueled Krishna’s devotion further. His family recalls that this interaction was pivotal, inspiring him to build a temple honoring Trump in early 2020, where he placed a life-size statue of the U.S. leader and offered daily prayers.
Constructing the Temple and Daily Devotions
Despite skepticism and criticism from his community, Krishna was undeterred. In 2020, as Trump campaigned for re-election, Krishna intensified his dedication, gathering resources to build the six-foot statue of Trump that still stands in his village. According to his friends, he once dreamed of Trump speaking to him, promising a future meeting. From then on, Krishna not only prayed daily but also observed fasting rituals at the shrine he had created. He devotedly maintained this worship, hoping to meet his idol someday.
Remembering Bussa Krishna’s Legacy
After Krishna’s sudden death due to cardiac arrest in October 2020, his family and villagers carried on his legacy. Recently, as Trump’s political journey took another turn, locals gathered at the temple to honor Krishna’s dedication by cleaning the statue, garlanding it, and performing rituals in his memory. This act was a reminder of Krishna’s unique story of faith and passion, which extended beyond cultural and national boundaries.
A Deep-Rooted Devotion Fueled by Dreams and Beliefs
Krishna’s connection with Trump went beyond admiration; he claimed to have had several dreams involving Trump. One significant dream was about Trump predicting India’s victory over Pakistan in a 2019 cricket match. When India won, Krishna’s faith deepened, solidifying his belief in Trump as a positive force. His dreams inspired not just admiration but also action, as he spent around Rs 2 lakh constructing the statue and temple.
From Puja Room to Temple: The Evolution of Krishna’s Worship
Krishna’s devotion began in his personal puja room, where he installed Trump’s photograph, regularly performing traditional rituals and pujas. In 2018, he transformed this room into a full-fledged temple space. By 2019, he took the bold step of building the large Trump statue in front of his house, even bathing it in milk as part of his rituals. He became affectionately known as “Trump Krishna” within his village, a testament to his unwavering devotion.
A Devotee’s Response to Global Events
When Trump contracted COVID-19, Krishna recorded a heartfelt video in which he prayed for Trump’s swift recovery, visibly emotional over his idol’s health. He expressed similar feelings during the 2020 U.S. presidential elections, fervently praying for Trump’s victory. These actions were symbolic of Krishna’s commitment to displaying solidarity with Trump, despite cultural and geographical distances.
A Tragic Catalyst: Honoring Indian Lives Lost Abroad
Another significant motivation for Krishna’s devotion was an incident in 2017 involving the tragic death of Srinivas Kuchibhotla, a techie from Telangana, who was killed in the U.S. in an alleged hate crime. This event deeply affected Krishna, leading him to believe that his devotion to Trump could foster greater understanding and respect between Americans and Indians. By displaying his love and loyalty, he hoped to build a bridge of mutual respect and empathy.
A Community Remembers Trump Krishna’s Unusual Legacy
Today, Bussa Krishna’s temple stands as a lasting symbol of his dedication, with locals coming together to remember him and celebrate the idol he revered. His story, filled with devotion, dreams, and even a personal mission for international harmony, continues to captivate people. While Krishna may no longer be here, his passion lives on through the temple, drawing attention to this extraordinary story of devotion and the unique connections that can transcend borders.