STOCKTON,CA: Neil Dhillon the young aspirant for the House of representatives from the 6th Congress district of Maryland was at the W.S.N. office on Sept.23 where in a free and frank discussion with members of the editorial staff he made his views known. It was a revealing session where Neil declared that he was a man on a mission a mission to open the corridors of the American Congress to Asian Americans who until now had no one to represent them. A community of nearly one and a half million people had no voice in the Capitol Hill. He seeks to be there as a part of the political process which enacts laws for this substantial part of the American population.

A young man of 31, Neil vibrates with energy and has the flush of ambition, His eyes sparkle and his facts and figures are at his fingertips. With 10 years of Washington experience Neil knows where he stands, Clinton appointed him as a Deputy Asst. Secretary in the US Dept of Transportation, but seeing a good chance, Neil resigned that appointment in a well calculated and well planned move to wrest the Maryland 61h District from “a floundering and aged Republican.”

He has already proved himself an excellent campaigner and organizer when he worked on the Clinton and Matsui staff, At27,he was the Chief of Staff for Congressman Bob Matsui and he became well known for his hard work, enthusiasm and ability to handle difficult situations, He speaks well and convincingly and he is going to need all these abilities to come out successfully in his own election.

Neil is now on a fund raising campaign, going for the Asian American and specially the Indian constituency which he claims to represent, His appeal is to the whole Indian community and be Cause of this he is on a difficult path with the hardliners amongst the Sikh Community who would like him to support the creation of Khalistan. Neil, being a Sikh, is proud of his heritage. “l am a Sikh  Neil Singh Dhillon and I am proud of that” he said. “My ancestors come from a village near Jallandhar.” Neil clearly says, he does not support separatism. “How can I support Khalistan? As an American my first obligation is to my countrymen here.” And “I can do something for my people here if Tam elected.”

On human rights Neil supports the visit of human rights groups to see things on the ground. He strongly opposes abuse of human rights anywhere in the world,

Neil was asked about his priorities, Neil said;”1 would like to do something about my district first, I can help eradicate unemployment, by bringing jobs and stability. I know l can make my 600,000 constituents much happier,”

Some of the questions put to Mr.Neil Dhillon and his answers are reproduced below:

Q: What inspired you to seek election?

Ans: I am young, I have expenence in administration and I will do much better for my consultants than present Congressman who is old, floundering and has lite idea of the district’s problems. My opponent is highly vulnerable he has neglected the constituency has failed to pay taxes. I will create jobs and help uplift (the constituency) economically,

Q: Some Sikhs think you are afraid of associating with Sikhs; they want to know your position on Khalistan?

Ans:l am Neil Singh Dhillon and Tam proud of being a Sikh… however I am Asian American first and I associate myself with this

1.2 million Community and l want to be considered as their representative in the Congress. I want to break the glass ceiling to become the first second generation member to speak for them on Capitol Hill, that way 1 will be able to do something for them all and if our community wants laws to help them it is necessary to be a part of the Political process.”

Q: What is your stand on Khalistan?

A:I support peace and unity, I do not support separatism. I support human rights and will champion these; I admire the monolithic handshake that’s come about between Palestinians and Israel. As an American my first concern shall always be the interest of my people here.

Q: Why should the Sikhs help you, Mr.Neil Dhillon?

A: Because I belong to you lam a Sikh who has ventured into the field of politics. Sikhs have bro ken into every profession and achieved brilliant successes Physicians, Engineers, Agriculturalists, Businessmen, I am going to prove American Sikhs can be successful in Politics too. The younger generation of the whole Indian community have welcomed and shown great interest in my venture. To be successful I need your help.

Q:How much are you really aware about the Sikh issues  their fight for freedom and their sufferings at the hands of Government officials in India?

A: l rely upon personal reports of people who have been there. I have come to know a lot from my parents and I am trying to find out. Lam not an expert on Sikh problems in Punjab but! will be by the time I am elected.

Article extracted from this publication >>  October 1, 1993