News India Times

www.newsindiatimes.com – that’s all you need to know Raj Goyle Outlines Affordability Push, Pension Reforms In New York State Comptroller Race R aj Goyle, founder of PhoneFree NewYork and board chair of Fire Boro Institute, dis- cussed his campaign priorities and vision for public service during an interview with Piya Jyoti Kachroo on ITV Gold. A former Kansas legislator and civil rights law- yer with the American Civil Liberties Union, Goyle has also worked in technology and civic engage- ment. He co-founded Bodhala, a tech company aimed at reducing corporate waste, and helped launch Indian American Impact to expand South Asian political participation. If elected, Goyle could become the first South Asian and Asian American elected to statewide office in NewYork, according to the program’s intro- duction. Goyle said his interest in public service was shaped by growing up as a South Asian in the Mid- west and later working as a civil rights attorney and labor organizer. “We never thought we could have that seat at the table,” he said, reflecting on how many South Asians in earlier decades did not imagine themselves in elected office. “MOST POWERFUL OFFICE YOU’VE NEVER HEARD OF” Explaining the role of the NewYork State Comptroller, Goyle described it as “the most powerful office you’ve never heard of,” noting that the comptroller manages a roughly $300 billion pension fund and serves as the state’s chief auditor with oversight of public contracts and spending. He said the powers of the office can be used to reduce costs for NewYorkers, strengthen retirement security, and increase accountability in government. TOP PRIORITIES: ICE DIVESTMENT, UTILITIES, PENSIONS During the interview with Kachroo, Goyle outlined three priorities if elected: 1. Divesting from investments he says support immi- gration enforcement operations 2. Working to freeze utility hikes and address the state’s affordability crisis 3. Strengthening pension performance so retirees receive greater financial security He connected his candidacy to fear among immigrant families, citing concerns within his own household. Goyle said his mother, a long-time U.S. citizen, asked whether she could face deportation or denaturalization amid increased immigration enforcement. PENSION INVESTMENTS AND GAZA COMMENTS Discussing pension fund investments, Goyle said pub- lic funds should reflect state values while also generating strong financial returns. He expressed support for divest- ing from fossil fuels and criticized what he described as underperformance by the current comptroller compared with broader market benchmarks. Goyle also raised concerns about the state’s foreign bond investment program, saying that approximately $350 million has been invested in bonds tied to Israel, compared with about $230 million across the rest of the world combined. He said he would prefer to redirect those funds toward investments within NewYork. During the interview, Goyle also stated that he has criticized Israel’s conduct in the war in Gaza, saying he believes it has constituted war crimes and does not align with what he described as NewYork values. ADDRESSING UTILITY COSTS Kachroo also asked about rising utility costs and affordability challenges for NewYork residents. Goyle said the comptroller could use oversight authority to audit the Public Service Commission, the state body responsible for approving utility rate increases. He argued that rate approvals often lack transpar- ency and suggested audits could reveal unnecessary charges passed on to consumers. TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY Goyle said transparency and accountability would be central to his approach as comptroller. He pledged to use the office’s auditing authority aggres- sively to identify “waste, fraud and abuse” in govern- ment spending. He also emphasized engagement with underrepre- sented communities and called for stronger anti-discrim- ination efforts amid concerns about rising hate incidents targeting South Asian and immigrant communities. “If you don’t have a seat at the table, you’re on the table,” he said. PHONEFREE NEW YORK INITIATIVE Goyle also discussed his work through PhoneFree New York, an initiative advocating restrictions on cell phone use in schools. The effort helped pass legislation limit- ing cell phone use in classrooms in NewYork, which he said aims to improve student mental health and reduce distractions. ENCOURAGING CIVIC PARTICIPATION Concluding the interview, Goyle urged viewers to remain engaged in civic life and public policy. “Please believe that we can make change,” he said, adding that government should work to improve afford- ability, strengthen pensions, and address rising costs for residents. By a StaffWriter PHOTO: ITV GOLD Raj Goyle speaks during an interview with ITV Gold host Piya Jyoti Kachroo, discussing his campaign for New York State Comptroller and key issues including affordability, pension oversight, and transparency in government. News India Times (March 7, 2026 - March 13, 2026) March 13, 2026 6 US Affairs U S President Donald Trump extended his greetings onWednesday to those celebrating Holi, charac- terising the Hindu festival as a vibrant celebration of spring’s arrival and the victory of righteous- ness. The official statement, shared on X byWhite House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt under the title “Presiden- tial Message on Holi,” expressed the first family’s support for the festivities. “Melania and I send our best wishes to all who cel- ebrate the Hindu festival of Holi, a day welcoming the arrival of spring and rejoicing in the victory of good over evil,” Trump stated. The President further noted the global significance of the occasion, adding, “Today, as communities gather around the world to celebrate this festival of colours, I wish all Americans who observe Holi a day filled with hope, peace, and unity.” Commonly known as the festival of colours, Holi is a major event in India and amongst the global Indian diaspora, representing renewal, social harmony, and the deepening of communal ties. The celebrations reached the iconic NewYork City sky- line onWednesday, where a festive display appeared in Times Square on 4 March. The Consulate General of India in NewYork shared the moment on social media, stating, “Wishing everyone a vibrant and joyous Holi from the heart of NewYork City. #TimesSquare May this festival of colours bring renewed hope, harmony and happiness to all.” In the US capital, the Embassy of India inWashington DC also conveyed its wishes, noting that the holiday has evolved into a global symbol of multiculturalism and social equity. Reflecting the rising influence of the Indian-American community, Texas recently became the third US state, following Georgia and NewYork, to formally acknowl- edge the festival. A resolution introduced by Senator Sarah Eckhardt was passed by the Texas Senate to honour the event. The resolution noted that “The origins of this jubilant festival can be traced back many millennia, and the holi- day is recognised and celebrated throughout the world by people of all backgrounds who relate to the festival’s themes of love, renewal, and progress.” This legislative milestone was supported by the Hindu American Foundation (HAF), with the Texas Senate high- lighting how the festival enriches cultural diversity and reinforces community connections. -ANI “Rejoicing In The Victory Of Good Over Evil”: US President Trump Extends Holi Greetings PHOTO:COURTESY ANI