PATIALA: The Wisconsin-based billionaire Darshan Singh Dhaliwal expressed his delight over Donald Trump winning the USA Presidential elections last week, as the results reflected the expectations of majority of Indian community in United States.
Talking to reporters, in his native village Rakhra in this district, Dhaliwal said that Trump’s strong ties with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi would further enhance the potential for positive relations between the two nations. He said, “Trump winning the elections is a blessing for India.” He said, Kamala Harris being half Indian, didn’t like India, and would have been a disaster. He further said that, “Democrats though talk about immigrants, have done nothing for them.”
He even commented upon the geopolitical stand of US against China and said that, “companies like Apple have already come to India, and soon more companies will follow, leaving China.”
Talking about the Sikh diaspora, Dhaliwal said that the Sikhs are at a better place and in high spirits with Trump winning. Sikhs are respected, acknowledged and recognized because of their turban and most turbaned Sikhs occupy places of reverence in business and politics in the US. He said he would definitely continue to raise Sikh issues with the Trump administration and said that he has close ties with Republicans, since Bush era.
Dhaliwal also appreciated Elon Musk’s open endorsement of Trump and said he made a huge difference during Trump’s run for the President’s chair.
On being asked about the possibility of seeing a Sikh face in Trump Admin, he strongly responded in positive. When specifically asked about his own desire to be the administration’s part, he denied of any such want.
With elections less than ten days away, Dhaliwal’s endorsement highlights the growing trend of public figures openly sharing their political preferences, a contrast to the more discreet political discourse often seen in India.
Darshan Singh Dhaliwal, now resident of USA, is visiting Punjab to attend his father’s death anniversary at his village. Dhaliwal brothers, former cabinet minister Surjit Singh Rakhra and Charanjeet Singh Rakhra alongwith Darshan Singh have been actively participating in charity work. They were the instrumental in sending a special train as aid to Chennai during 200 Tsunami. They were also actively supporting farmers’ agitation of 2019 against the 3 Farming Bills which resulted to his barring from entering India. Their meeting with Amit Shah later, created ripples in the political scenario of Punjab after the 2022 State elections.