iNDICA NEWS BUREAU
Democratic supporters in Fremont, California, led by Ajay & Vinita Bhutoria, organized a ‘get out the vote’ rally on Sunday to push for Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden and vice-presidential pick Kamala Harris.
Small business owners, teachers, doctors, entrepreneurs, elected officials, community leaders and students joined the rally near the Bhutorias’ home to support the Biden-Harris ticket.
Everyone turned out wearing masks and followed Covid safety guidelines.
The Democratic supporters also did phone banking and outreach in battleground states.
There are over 1.3 million Indian Americans in the battleground states of Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Florida and Nevada.
“I don’t think anybody’s debating this one is probably the most important election of our lifetime,” Ajay Bhutoria said. “There’s so much at stake.”
He added: “Right now in our country, we are facing front and center at least four crises that have converged. We are looking at the worst public health crisis that we have faced in a century. The worst economic crisis arguably since the Great Depression. A long-overdue reckoning on racial injustice. And then, a changing climate that has been battering.”
That is why, he said, “It is important for all of us to vote for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, especially I appeal to all Indian Americans in battleground states to vote for Biden and Harris.”
Raj, 20, a junior at Claremont McKenna College in California, who was at the rally, agreed.
“For many of us, this is the most important election of our lifetime. This year, the future of America is on the ballot. The decisions we make today will impact not only the next four years, but generations to come. It is clear that President Trump will not protect the equality of Americans and our nation’s commitment to racial justice, equal educational opportunities, and the preservation of our environment.”
Prakash Thapa, a Nepali-American small businesses owner, said: “We’re going to make
Donald Trump a one-term President. Let’s vote for Biden and Harris. We need a President who will unite the country, not one who stokes division and brings out our worst.”
Hotelier Ashok Bhatt said: “For the future of this and next the generation of Indian Americans and to fulfill our American dream, it is very important to vote for Biden and Harris this election.”
He added: “Electing Kamala Harris as the first woman vice president of the country is history in the making.”
Mahesh Nihalani, senior community leader, urged Indian Americans to support Biden and Harris on the presidential ticket, adding that the two leaders are strong proponents of India-US relationship.
“Abki baar, Biden sarkar [This time, a Biden administration],” he said.
