From Chicago to Delhi: Indian-American Dr Munish Raizada’s journey into politics

In an exclusive chat with New India Abroad, the doctor-turned-politician discusses his journey from Chicago to Indian politics, his reform-focused agenda, and sustainable development in Delhi ahead of the 2025 elections.

Dr. Munish Kumar Raizada. / X/@DrMunishRaizada

Dr Munish Kumar Raizada, an Indian-American doctor from Chicago, has made a remarkable shift in working for political reform in India.

In an exclusive interview with New India Abroad, the neonatologist-turned-politician, who is contesting the New Delhi Assembly seat, outlined a reformative agenda. His focus is on clean governance, accountability, and sustainable development ahead of the 2025 Delhi elections.

Dr. Raizada first connected with Indian politics in 2012 during the Anna Hazare-led anti-corruption movement, which inspired people across India and abroad. While working as a pediatric specialist in the US, he helped organize the first US convention for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in 2014.

“I’ve always been interested in how good policies can improve governance,” he shared. “The Anna movement gave hope that corruption could be tackled and change was possible.”

In 2013, he left his successful career in the US to return to India and join AAP. He was part of the party’s early success, including its landslide win in the 2015 Delhi Assembly elections. However, over time, Dr. Raizada grew unhappy with how the party was handling transparency and internal democracy.

“I saw the party moving away from its core values, which was disappointing,” he said.

By 2020, feeling restless about how he could contribute to Indian democracy, Dr. Raizada joined the Bharatiya Liberal Party. He was later elected its president, taking over from founder Ramesh Gupta, who also moved from the US to work for political reform in India.

He believes, “Democracy is a constant process. If you don't upgrade to the aspirations and expectations of the classes, then what will become outdated or not perform to the task?”

As the 2025 Delhi elections approach, Dr. Raizada is focused on promoting better governance and citizen involvement in politics. “For me, politics isn’t about power. It’s about making a real difference in people’s lives and restoring trust in democracy,” he said.

Having returned to India 14 months ago after years in Chicago, he highlighted the Bhartiya Liberal Party aims to rebuild trust through actions such as transparent funding, democratic candidate selection, and a zero-tolerance approach to corruption.

Dr. Raizada described systemic failures in Delhi’s governance, citing issues like pollution, traffic, and the neglect of the Yamuna River. He proposed a governance model rooted in constitutional liberalism, focusing on decentralization, sustainable urban development, and anti-corruption measures.

On healthcare, Dr. Raizada contrasted India’s resource-strapped socialized model with the privatized system in the US, advocating for increased budget allocation and public-private partnerships to enhance healthcare access and quality.

Drawing on his medical expertise, he stressed the importance of a systematic approach to problem-solving, comparing the challenges of governance to diagnosing and treating illnesses. Just as a doctor carefully examines symptoms, identifies root causes, and prescribes effective treatments, he suggested that governance should follow a similar structured process to address complex issues.