Yup, he converted to christianity, despite his parents initial shock and sadness, because he knew that as a dark-skin, non-white, hindu he stands very little chance in American politics. The only way he can succeed is to relinquish his foreign exotic identity by converting to christianity, and hope that his conversion will make him seem less 'foreign.'
Race is a very critical factor in the US politics. Even less than a year ago, a white Republican senator referred to a democratic political aide, who happened to be of Indian origin, as a ' monkey.'
Bobby Jindal not only converted, but to get the conservative votes in the most backward, racially charged, white conservative state of Louisiana, he became an ultra-conservative - opposing abortions, as well as opposes hate crime laws, primarily because majority of crimes in southern states are racially motivated hate crimes, and if he votes in favor of laws that are against hate crimes, he can lose out on the white conservative votes. The only way he can appease the white votes, as a nonwhite person himself, was to pander to the white interest groups. If that doesn't make him a player, I wonder what does. I'm sure if getting into the white house entailed denouncing his dark-skinned parents, he will do that!
By the way, why are his relatives in Punab celeberating his victory. The guy has not even visited his home town in more than 30 years. Isn't that enough indication to them that he does not want to associate with hi
