Indian-American from Virginia to run for House of Delegates

WASHINGTON: Indian-American Republican leader from Virginia Puneet Ahluwalia is contesting for the state's House of Delegates for the 34th district against the incumbent Kathleen Murphy.

Ahluwalia, 10th District Representative on the Virginia Republican State Central Committee, served as a financial chair of the Asian American presidential inaugural ball in January, American Bazaar online reported on Friday.

"The success of our community demands us to be active and participate in mainstream politics. It is our responsibility to strengthen the diversity of our nation," he said.

"... We should be supporting President Trump and Republican leadership in creating and promoting American jobs with strong emphasis on balanced trade between US-Indo Pacific Region."

"We should not lose focus on eradicating terrorism and enemies of democracies," he added.

Ahluwalia said that he would work to strengthen the Republican Party's base in Virginia, among other things.

"We will watch our allies' back and it is important that communities, including the Indian-American community that has benefited most from this great nation, play a pivotal role in the revival process. I had a choice but I chose to stand up and participate in the political process and serve the public of 34th district," Ahluwalia said.

"Our nation is at a crossroad where we will take new positive direction as we embark on a journey to make our nation stronger."

He added: "I have the support of my wife, kids and friends, and supporters and very importantly the leadership of the Republican Party, especially Barbara Comstock."

A Delhi Public School (DPS) alumni, Ahluwalia heads consultancy and IT businesses in the Washington DC area, along with active participation in the US politics, since 1998-99.