Indian American delegates at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee denounced the attempted assassination attempt of former US President Donald Trump last weekend in Pennsylvania.
Eminent Indian American Dr. Sampat Shivangi, the official delegate from Mississippi State, referred to the shooting as "very unfortunate.” “He is a tough, tough human being. He will not take no for anything,” Shivangi said, referring to Trump.
Hardam Tripathi, an attorney and Alternate Delegate from Florida, emphasized that there is no place for political violence in the constitutional republic of the United States and such acts should never be considered acceptable regardless of political affiliation.
“We may have political differences but work together for the common good of future generations. But if you're unable to do that and you want to shoot somebody because you don't agree with their political opinions, that is not the right way. It turns into a banana republic,” Tripathi said.
However, Shivangi noted that as a result of the incident, Trump’s favorability has increased among the masses.“ I think now he may get some sympathy votes. And even in delegation, they are all for him. I think he has the best chances,” he said.
He noted that since the assassination attempt, support for Trump has surged, surpassing 100 percent in sentiment. “I'm so sure he's going to win. Not that we hate Biden, But the whole of America, we have to go in that flow. They're all for Trump this time,” he said.
As an immigration attorney, Tripathi emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law, citing concerns regarding issues at the border and economic challenges faced by citizens across the United States.
“If you look at inflation, you look at economics, you see Joe Biden and the current administration push for it. A lot of different policies are really just hurting the average American consumer. And it's also hurting businesses,” Tripathi said.
“I believe as a community, we are a nation of immigrants. We're a nation of businesses. We all want to do well for our community. But the problem we're having is the policies,” he added.
Shivangi underscored the dissatisfaction among Indian Americans with current circumstances in the country especially about the issues such as illegal immigration at the border and inflation.
“The Indian Americans are not very happy. The illegal immigration happening on the border and inflation and so many other issues,” Shivangi said.
Shivangi noted that among Indians, 80 percent are Democrats, with only 20 percent like himself being Republicans. “I've been in the party for the last 45 years. I'm the first Indian American in Mississippi to be a part of a Republican party. I think things are changing. I feel this time we (Republicans) have 55-60 percent chance of winning compared to previous years,” he said.
Shivangi also remarked that while he admires President Biden and worked under his administration, he believes Trump had a stronger relationship with India than any previous president.
Immigration Attorney Tripathi also echoed the support for Trump as President. “At the end of all of it, someone who's as business savvy as the Indian populace is, Donald J. Trump is the only choice that they have to make sure that their family's lives get better as well as the lives of future generations and their significant others,” Tripathi said.
As a personal business owner and attorney managing his own firm, Tripathi emphasized the economic common sense of voting for Trump. “Because his policies have ultimately shown, geopolitically as well, working with Narendra Modi and the BJP and also other geopolitical countries, you will start to see as an Indian American, this (Trump as President) is the future, Tripathi said.
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