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www.desitalkchicago.com – that’s all you need to know 15 CITY VIEWS April 10, 2026 Indian American Republican Voices Concerns After Membership Revoked In Milwaukee County GOP Milwaukee, Wisconsin: Purnima Nath calls for accountability, condemns racism, and defends independent political thought I n a development that has sparked discussion around political inclusiv- ity and freedom of expression within party structures, Indian-American community member Purnima Nath has publicly stated that her membership with the Republican Party of Milwaukee County has been cancelled, allegedly on the grounds that her “values do not align” with the organization. According to Nath, the decision stems from her refusal to adhere to what she describes as “blind allegiance” and her continued commitment to questioning policies, advocating accountability, and prioritizing public service over political narratives. “Disagreement is not disloyalty. Inde- pendent thinking is not extremism,” Nath emphasized in her statement. Appeal Filed, No Response Yet:Nath has reportedly reached out to the Repub- lican Party ofWisconsin seeking clarifica- tion and formally appealing the decision. As of now, she notes that no response has been received, raising concerns about transparency and internal democratic processes. Concerns Over Rising Divisiveness: Highlighting her identity as a brown, Hindu, Indian-American, Nath expressed deep concern over what she described as increasing instances of racially and reli- giously charged rhetoric within segments of political discourse. She referenced experiences where individuals fromminority backgrounds are subjected to remarks such as “go back to India” or threats of deportation—lan- guage she strongly condemned as unac- ceptable in a democratic and civil society. “America belongs to people of all colors, religions, and backgrounds. Any attempt to create a homogeneous, exclu- sionary society betrays the very spirit of the Constitution,” Nath stated. Historical Context and Constitutional Ideals:In her remarks, Nath pointed to historical injustices embedded within American systems—including discrimi- natory immigration laws, segregation policies, and racial inequalities—as reminders of the need for vigilance in protecting civil liberties. She emphasized that while the U.S. Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and equal protection under law, these ideals must be actively upheld rather than selectively interpreted. A Stand for Principles Over Politics:Positioning her stance as one rooted in principle, Nath affirmed that she will continue to speak out against what she perceives as injustice, regard- less of political consequences. “I will not be silenced. I will not reduce myself to a pawn in anyone’s power game. Principle over power. People over politics.” Broader Implications:The situation has drawn attention to broader questions regarding ideological diversity within po- litical parties and the role of independent voices in shaping public discourse. Ob- servers note that such developments may resonate strongly within immigrant and minority communities navigating politi- cal participation in the United States. Purnima Nath Purnima Nath flyer PHOTOS:COURTESY BHAILAL M.PATEL By Bhailal M. Patel U .S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), and Jona- than Jackson (IL-01) released a statement upon the conclu- sion of their five-day Congressional delegation to Cuba, calling for an end to the fuel blockade which they said was bringin untold suffering to the citizens. They also pointed to the opening up of the Cuban economy, and urgedWash- ington to enter into “real” negotiations with the small communist-ruled island nation. “The illegal U.S. blockade of fuel to Cuba—90 miles south of the United States—adds to the longest embargo in world history and is causing untold suffering to the Cuban people,” the US lawmakers said. “The United States pre- vented a single drop of oil from entering Cuba for over three months,” which has resulted in an “economic bombing” of the infrastructure of the country, and caused a crisis in healthcare as well as for schoolgoing children. “We witnessed firsthand premature babies in incubators, weighing just two pounds, who are at tremendous risk because their ventilators and incuba- tors cannot function without electric- ity,” Jayapal and Jackson said. Children cannot attend school, cancer patients cannot receive lifesaving treatments, water shortage is being experienced, businesses have closed, families can- not keep food refrigerated, and food production on the island has dropped to just 10 percent of the people’s needs, they said. Jayapal and Jackson spoke to many representatives of various sectors and religious leaders, and Cubans across the political spectrum, and, “Across all sectors, there is agreement: this illegal blockade must end immediately. We do not believe that the majority of Ameri- cans would want this kind of cruelty and inhumanity to continue in our name.” They cite examples of liberalization and release of prisoners to strengthen the case for ending the “ColdWar-era policy of coercive economic measures and military pressures against Cuba.” “True reform will only come from charting a new course. The United States and Cuba must immediately enter into real negotiations that provide for the dignity and freedom of the Cuban people and the tremendous benefits to the American people that will accrue from a real collaboration between our two countries,” Jayapal and Jackson maintained. Jayapal Demands End To ‘Illegal U.S. Blockade’ Of Fuel To Cuba On Return From Visit By a StaffWriter PHOTO:VIDEOGRAB FROM INSTAGRAM @REPJAYAPAL Rep. Pramila Jayapal doing a media interview about her visit to Cuba.