Raj Bhakta  is a candidate for Congress in Pennsylvania's 13th District. Raj Peter Bhakta was born in Northeast Philadelphia and lived the first four years of his life in Philly’s Oxford Circle. In 1979, he moved with his family to Blue Bell. Raj got his first job selling cars at a dealership on Frankford Avenue. Having been raised and educated in Montgomery County through high school, Raj developed a love for this area and a passion for its governance and well-being. 

Raj has been engaged in entrepreneurial ventures throughout his adult life, having launched and grown several businesses. Recently, Raj has also focused considerable energy on advancing reform-minded public policies based on traditional American principals such as individual responsibility, liberty, and small government.

Today Raj is primarily involved in Vanquish Holdings, LLC, a real estate firm focused primarily in the hospitality sector based in Fort Washington, PA. Additionally, to support his known passion for America's future, he has been active in speaking to young voters across the country, at college campuses and on venues such as FoxNews and MSNBC, to encourage political activism and government reform.

Raj graduated from Boston College in 1998 with degrees in Economics and History and a concentration in Finance. He moved on to a successful stint at the investment banking firm of Violy & Co. in New York. In 2000, he founded his first business, Automovia, Inc., a technology company focused on the automotive industry, at the age of 23.

He later turned his focus to real estate and created Vanquish Holdings, which led to the acquisition of a hotel, retail, and condominium project in Vail, CO in 2003. Through an extensive renovation and re-branding, this project increased revenues by nearly three hundred percent within 24 months.

During the fall of 2004, Raj was a break-out personality on NBC's hit show "The Apprentice". Known for his witty discourse and entertaining personality, he made a memorable impression on the American public. 

A graduate from Boston College, Bhakta spoke to Lokvani about his campaign.

It is not very common for Indian Americans to run for office. What was your motivation?

I am extremely proud of all the accomplishments of South Asians in this country. They have worked hard and in a short period of time so many have achieved the American dream. America has been good and generous to South Asians and I would like to give back by serving the people.  Congress needs young people who want to put the nation’s interest before their own, people who can rise above partisanship and rancor to fight for the American dream. When I am in office I will work hard to ensure that every individual has the opportunity to achieve the American dream.

Why did you choose to become a Republican?

I think Republican Party reflects the best ideals of the Indian community. The values of hard work, individual responsibility, family values, and self reliance are the core values of the Republican Party.
It is important to note that I am not your typical Republican. As an environmentalist, I intend to grow a greener Republican Party, which grows our national park system and works to clean our air and make our communities more livable.

Why should people vote for Raj Bhakta?

There are many reasons. I want to sweep corruption out of our government and bring power back to the people.  I will make sure that the No Child Left Behind Act is fully funded.  As an environmentalist I will oppose the President and members of my own party to protect the environment and to do what is right.

On the issue of health care, I will vote in Congress to eliminate junk lawsuits that cause health care prices to skyrocket. I will work to introduce meaningful market-based reform to cut red tape, eliminate corruption, lower costs, and expand coverage.

Protecting America and preventing another terrorist attack should be our highest national priority. I will always vote to make sure that our police, firefighters, and other first responders have all the tools they need to keep America safe.

I will fight to keep the economy strong by investing in education and will work to keep high-paying jobs in America. I will initiate efforts to make the 2003 Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Plan less complicated. I will ensure that all of our veterans have access to the services that they deserve and that their country has promised.

On the issue of immigration, I support stricter standards for asylum applicants and additional funding for border enforcement as well as efforts to attract the best and the brightest from around the world .I will always vote to make sure our servicemen and women have the tools they need to keep themselves safe when they are in harm's way.

For Indian Americans family reunification is a huge issue. What are your views on that subject?

Immigrants are the life blood of America. I completely reject any xenophobic tendencies. The Indian community must not be penalized for immigrating legally to this country. The United States needs to know tremendous positive contribution of the Indian American community. We are strong thanks to the very talented and hard working Indian American work force. Legal immigration of Indians to this country will strengthen America and I will make sure that the process of legal immigration and family reunification is quick and streamlined.

Senator Joe Biden’s said “You cannot go to a 7/11 or a Dunkin Donuts unless you have a slight Indian accent. I'm not joking." What is your reaction to that?

I thought what a stupid thing to say especially considering that Senator Biden is a ranking Democrat who may run for the office of the President. 

As a congressman I will work to show the broader community the contributions Indian Americans have made. While there are many entrepreneurs who are owners of convenience stores our contributions go way beyond making coffee and donuts and when I am in office I will raise the profiles of Indian Americans.

What is your view on the Iraq war?

I firmly believe that the war was a mistake. Now that we are there, we must do all we can to ensure a successful transfer of power to the new Iraqi regime. One important aspect of the solution should be to bring Iraqis to the United States to provide training. We all know that people who have visited and lived in the United States are its best ambassadors. Such training can ensure smooth transfer of power.

What is your opinion on Indo-US relations?

I believe that a strong India is essential for a strong America. We have much in common. I was profoundly troubled by the recent bombings in Mumbai. Our war on terror and India's war on terror are one in the same. India is our peaceful and democratic ally and it has endured the terrorism of radical Islamists for too long. I am deeply proud of the friendship our two nations have recently developed. A strong India is necessary for world peace. With material aid and moral support, this growing capitalist democracy can become a major bulwark in the war against terrorism.

Any message for the South Asian community?

I strongly encourage everyone to be politically active. Our community has achieved economic maturity but is still in political infancy. 

People should certainly register to vote, volunteer for campaigns and most definitely run for office.  While we may not have the numbers when it comes to voters, we do have economic power and as the wealthiest minority we must contribute to campaigns and support candidates who can fight for our cause.

Thanks so much for your time

Thank you

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