Against extremists, says Indian-American politician seen with Khalistani flags

A day after Jenifer Rajkumar, the first Punjabi-American elected to New York state office, sparked a controversy after sharing her photo with Khalistani flags, the Indian-American politician tried to clear the air, saying she was against extremist and fringe groups that spread hatred. She also tried to highlight her Hindu credentials.

Jenifer Rajkumar faced backlash online after she shared a photo of herself at the Sikh Day Parade as the guest of honour. The photo had several Khalistani flags in the backdrop.

Angered by the photo, people said that by “affiliating with Khalistani separatists” she had “disappointed Hindus”.

In a statement sent to IndiaToday.In, Jenifer Rajkumar highlighted how she made history when she became the “first Indian-American woman and first Hindu ever elected to a New York State office against all odds”.

Countering her critics, she went on to highlight the work she had done for Hindus in the US.

“Against impossible odds, I made history yet again when I led and won the fight to make Diwali a NYC School Holiday. I later led the charge against the anti-Hindu hate crime at NYC’s Tulsi Mandir, garnering the attention of the White House and ensuring the offence was prosecuted as a hate crime,” Jenifer Rajkumar said.

Regarding the Sikh Day Parade, a photo of which fuelled into controversy this year, she said it was her usual practice to attend it.

“Every year, I also attend the Sikh Day parade with the Sikh leaders from gurdwaras across the Northeast. I stand with the Sikh community and its practice of seva, caring for all of humanity. As a proud American, I work tirelessly to build peace and unity among all people in our great country,” Rajkumar said.

She, however, tried to distance herself from the Khalistanis, who have been behind terror attacks, including the deadly bombing of the Air India Kanishka flight that killed 329 people, calling for prosecution of extremist groups.

“I have always said that fringe, extremist groups that sow seeds of hate and violence in the world should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Jenifer Rajkumar said.

Her reaction came even as India summoned the Canadian Deputy High Commissioner after pro-Khalistan slogans were raised at an event attended by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Toronto.

The Ministry of External Affairs said the Canadian diplomat was conveying India’s “deep concern and strong protest” at such “disturbing actions being allowed to continue unchecked at the event”.

The Khalsa Day event in Toronto was also attended by Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, New Democratic Party (NDP) leader Jagmeet Singh, and Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, among others.

In his speech, Trudeau went on to assure the Sikh community that the Canadian government would protect their rights and freedoms at all costs.

The mail has been sent to IndiaToday.in by Jacob Gross, Senior Advisor of Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar.

Rajkumar is a Democrat member of the New York State Assembly from the 38th district.