Members of the Indian-American community held a fundraiser for Republican candidate for Governor of New Jersey Jack Ciatarelli, October 3, 2021. Ciattarelli is running against incumbent Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy.
The event, described as a “VIP Reception” for the South Asian community by one of the organizers, was held at Ember Indian Restaurant in Monmouth Junction. Most of those who attended were prominent business owners, physicians and other healthcare professionals, and small business persons from the community.
Speaking to those gathered, Ciattarelli noted New Jersey was the most diverse state in the Union, adding, “Indian-Americans make New Jersey more intellectually vibrant, more culturally vibrant, and more economically vibrant.” He appealed to members of the community to support him and his platform of lower taxes, greater environment to grow businesses, and access to a good education for children. “Republican ideals are South Asian American ideals – pro-family, pro-education, pro business, pro law-enforcement.”
Padma Shri Dr. Sudhir Parikh, chairman of Parikh Worldwide Media and ITV Gold expressed his full support for Ciattarelli. “I have been in this country for a long time, and I have not seen a Democratic governor get re-elected.”
“More than 50 percent of the Indian-American community, because they are businessmen, entrepreneurs, professionals, they appreciate Republican values and they will support yu. We have to make sure they vote for you. … It will happen,” Dr Parikh emphasized.
Several community members expressed their support for Ciattarelli saying Republican values were their values. Some of those who spoke included Supinder Singh, Himanshu Patel, Arun Kumar, Dr. Raj Chawla and other healthcare professionals. One of the points they highlighted was the need to reduce taxes and make New Jersey more small-business friendly.
“We are going to win this year … one of the reasons is because of your help in spreading my message within the community,” Ciatteralli. He indicated there was a difference between ‘hand-ups’ which Republicans support in contrast to the ‘hand-outs’ that Democrats offer.
“Jack is really wanting to work with the South Asian community. He feels many are attracted to his campaign because of his values,” Priti Pandya Patel, who is on Ciaratelli’s campaign team, told Desi Talk. “We give importance to education, we want decrease in taxes to put more money into the pockets of our families, and he is very much in support of small business, and he is pro-choice,” Pandya Patel said.
