Desi talk

www.desitalkchicago.com – that’s all you need to know 12 CITY VIEWS January 9, 2026 In Midst Of Race For US Senate, Rep. Krishnamoorthi, D-Ill To Step Down From House Select Committee On US-Chinese Competition C ongressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Ranking Member of the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party, announced Jan. 5, 2026, he is stepping down later this month from his role in leading the Democrats in the Committee. In a statement Krishnamoorthi thanked Democratic Party leader Hakeem Jeffries for placing him in that Select Committee where he served for the past 3 years, making him the first Indian American to ever lead a congressio- nal committee as Chair or Ranking Member. (Krishnamoorthi is currently running for and poised to win upcoming Democratic primaries this February for his race to enter the US Senate (RajaforIL.com).) In his statement regarding the Committee, Krish- namoorthi also thanked the members for their “serious- ness, expertise, and a strong sense of responsibility” even though members did not always agree, but “we consis- tently found ways to collaborate, seek common ground, and focus on strengthening America’s long-term com- petitiveness and security.” He also had words of appreciation for Staff carrying out the day-to-day tasks of the Committee. “Their focus was not only on confronting the challenges posed by the Chinese Communist Party, but on advancing policies that unlock American innovation, protect workers and con- sumers, and ensure that the United States remains the world’s leading economic and technological power.” He said he was proud that together members of both parties were able to build a bipartisan Committee that served the nation. “Our efforts advanced policies to protect American innovation, secure critical supply chains, counter forced labor and economic coercion, and prevent U.S. capital and technology from being used to undermine our security or values. Just as importantly, we demonstrated that the United States can compete from a position of confidence by investing in our people, our ideas, and our democratic institutions.” The Congressman dwelt on the challenges posed by China in several domains, and emphasized there were no easy answers. Meeting these challenges, “demands nuance and seriousness, a commitment to practical and enforceable policy solutions, and an unwavering resolve to strengthen American competitiveness without suc- cumbing to fear or prejudice.” US SENATE CAMPAIGN Krishnamoorthi is running for a US Senate seat from Illinois, and currently he is among the frontrunners for his party’s support in the primaries. According to an announcement January 5, from his campaign, the Indian American candidate has a 28 point lead over other contenders to date. Early voting in Illiois is set to begin February 5, 2026. The campaign raised nearly $3.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2025, marking a fourth consecutive quarter of raising more than $3 million. “He has far outraised his opponents in every quarter of the primary so far. The campaign ended 2025 with over $15.2 million cash on hand,” his campaign said. Krishnamoorthi’s ‘Raja For Illinolis’ campaign man- ager Brexton Isaacs expressed confidence about winning not just the primary race, but also the general election come November 2026. “With seventy days to go, eight months of momentum at our back, and a strong founda- tion of grassroots support, we are the only team in this race that is built to win,” Isaacs said. By a StaffWriter PHOTO:@RajaforIL PHOTOs: Jyanti Oza PHOTO:@RajaforIL Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Illinois, on the campaign trail. BSC President Haribhai Patel is seen wishing everyone a happy new year 2026. Digital robot dances and wins everyone’s hearts. BSC Help and Sponsor Team Group. Bharatiya Senior Citizens Of Chicago Welcome 2026 With Music, Joy And Community Spirit L aughter, music and warm embraces filled the Waterford Banquet Hall on NewYear’s Eve as the Bharatiya Senior Citizens of Chicago (BSC) rang in 2026 with a grand celebration that brought together about 450 seniors, families and friends. The Dec. 31 event reflected more than a NewYear’s party — it was a reminder of the strength of community and the joy of togetherness among Indian-American seniors in the Chicago area. BSC President Haribhai Patel welcomed members and invited guests, extending NewYear wishes and thank- ing everyone for being part of the organization’s growing family. Dinner service began promptly at 7 p.m., featuring a popular spread catered by India House Catering, fol- lowed by malai kulfi ice cream that delighted attendees. Entertainment remained the heart of the evening. Live music under the banner “Manpasand,” organized by Bhavana Modi, national promoter, set the festive tone. Renowned singer Paulami Majumdar, a Sa Re Ga Ma and Asia Singing Superstar finalist, captivated the audience with melodious Bollywood songs, accompanied by a live musical band and one of Chicago’s leading DJs. Adding sparkle and surprise to the night were a LED robot performance, Go-Go dancers, a balloon drop, party favors, a 360-degree photo booth, a fresh paan counter, raffle prizes and a cash bar. The LED robot’s Bollywood- themed dance performance drew cheers and applause from the crowd. A special NewYear’s raffle added excitement, with prizes including $500 in cash, an iPad, an AppleWatch and AirPods. As the clock struck midnight, members and guests rose from their seats, exchanged greetings and welcomed 2026 with hugs, smiles and heartfelt wishes. At the conclusion of the program, Patel expressed gratitude to BSC committee members and sponsors, noting that the celebration would not have been pos- sible without their support. He acknowledged Mafatbhai Patel of Patel Brothers; Dr. Bharatbhai and Dr. Pannaben Barai; Ashok Punjabi of Chicago Import; Sunil Shah of R N International; and Dr. Rashmi Patel of Moksh Dham, among others. “The spirit of unity and joy we saw tonight is what BSC stands for,” Patel said. As the music played on and seniors danced late into the night, the celebration stood as a joyful beginning to the new year — one filled with health, happiness and continued community bonding. By Jyanti Oza, Special to Desi Talk