Ashok Ojha

EDISON, NJ (TIP): Phil Murphy, the democratic candidate for this year’s gubernatorial election in New Jersey, was praised as a friend of South Asian population of the state.

New jersey’s only Assemblyman of South Asian origin Raj Mukherjee exhorted a gathering of diverse South Asian population for actively participating in the election process of the state. He was speaking at a fund raising event held in support of Murphy at South Brunswick.

Mukherjee, who represents Jersey City in the state Assembly, regretted that only a small section of South Asian voters were exercising their rights to vote in local elections. “We should be sitting at the table, not remain as part of Menu”, he told the audience metaphorically.

Mukherjee praised the South Asian community for its remarkable contribution towards improving the US economy and said that Democratic candidate for the post of NJ Governor, Phil Murphy, was a true supporter of diversity in the state. Quoting from a book by JFK, Mukherjee made a point in favor of treating immigrants fairly, and said, “Murphy is the one who could stand up to Trump”, adding that “he will have or back as New Jerseans.”

Addressing the gathering of supporters Murphy successfully made a case in his favor at the fund raising event. He minced no words criticizing President Trump, for his ‘erratic and negative’ policies on health care, economy, environment, education and immigrants issues the nation.

The 59-year-old former banking executive told the audience that he cared for diversity. He turned to Congressman Frank Pallone proclaiming him the leader of all New Jersey residents of South Asian descents – and said that he stood for protecting the rights of all immigrants. Making a comparison with the state of Massachusetts, Murphy recounted varieties of similarities and said that New Jersey was a strong contender for a healthier economy and progressive policies. “We have all the resources that makes a state great, except the leadership”, he pointed out.

Congressman Pallone, a vicious critic of President Trump, told Indian Panorama, that he had no doubt New Jersey will have a Democrat Governor this year. “Phil talks about and believes in diversity”, he pointed out adding that he was seen as the representative of people from all states of India, who are settled in New Jersey.

Murphy served as the US Ambassador to Germany during President Obama’s tenure. “Murphy cares for nine million people of New Jersey including the working class population”, said Pallone, Jr.

The previous NJ governor, who belonged to Democratic Party, was Jon S. Corzine, another former Goldman Sachs banker, who didn’t win re-election after one term, and was succeeded by the current Governor, Chris Christie.

Murphy appears to have established himself as the front-runner to succeed Christie. Elections for Governor’s posts in two states, New Jersey and Virginia, are scheduled to take place on November 7. The Primary elections will take place on June 6, 2017.

In New Jersey only registered party members may vote in primary elections.