Members of the Indian American community in New Jersey had held a fundraiser for gubernatorial candidate Phil Murphy in Colonia. Murphy, was recently the United States Ambassador to Germany under the Obama Administration and an executive at Goldman Sachs, had declared his candidacy in 2016. Murphy is seen as the likely Democratic nominee and has been endorsed by a number of business, labor and community groups, as well as each of the 21 democratic county chairs, organizers had said in a press release.
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The event was conducted at the home of Jagdish Patel. Patel is an entrepreneur, and a current trustee and past president of the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA). Other present in the event were Prakash Shah, former chair of the New Jersey Development Authority and an appointee of President Clinton on the Southern Africa Enterprise Development Fund Board of Directors and attorney Rajiv D. Parikh, Esq., a partner at Genova Burns LLC and General Counsel to the New Democratic State Committee.
Murphy spoke about his commitment to renewing the economic growth within New Jersey and ensured that all residents will be treated fairly in every way. He has also reminisced about his many visits to India during his life in business and public service. He said that South Asians are one of the fastest growing ethnic groups in New Jersey and contributors to the economy, education and culture of the state.
Jagdish Patel said that he was “honored” to host Murphy at his home and “proud to support a candidate who is committed to growing economic opportunities in the state.” Prakash Shah presented Murphy as the most qualified candidate to lead New Jersey after eight years of a lack of growth under Chris Christie’s Republican administration.
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“Ambassador Murphy’s energy, enthusiasm and progressive values are exactly what we need to improve things for our families, friends and communities,” Rajiv Parikh said.
Assemblyman Raj Mukerjhi from Jersey City, and Essex County Freeholder Brendan Gill, who also serves as the chief executive of Murphy’s gubernatorial campaign were also present in the event.
Assemblyman Mukerjhi remembered Murphy’s support to the South Asian community around New Jersey and the country. Dr. Sudhir Parikh, publisher of Desi Talk and recipient of India’s Padma Shri award, said that he “has a lot of faith in what Ambassador Murphy can do for New Jersey and the community after failures of the Christie administration.”
TV Asia Chairman H.R. Shah urged Mr. Murphy to ensure that his administration looks at all issues, including disproportionate revenue sharing for lottery vendors, many of whom are from the community. Ramesh Patel, in his role as chairman of FIA extended an invitation to Murphy to march in FIA’s annual India Day Parade in New York City.
By Premji
