Los Angeles. Indian-origin City Council member Nitya Raman has been predicted to win the mayoral election in Los Angeles, America. In the initial vote counting, he has taken a lead over current Mayor Karen Bass. According to the report of 'Los Angeles Times', in the figures till Wednesday afternoon, 45-year-old Raman got 51.1 percent votes, while 73-year-old Bais got 48.33 percent votes.
However, election analysts have termed the contest as very close and have called for caution till the final results are announced.
Homelessness, public safety and affordable housing were top issues among voters ahead of the election. According to a survey conducted between October 19 and 25 by Berkeley IGS and the Los Angeles Times, nearly 40 percent of voters said reducing temporary homeless encampments was a top priority for the new mayor. At the same time, about 30 percent of voters considered public safety and affordable housing as important issues.
Addressing supporters at the Greek Theater Plaza on election night, Nithya Raman expressed hope for victory, but appealed to refrain from celebrating until the official results were declared. She said she is hopeful about the results, but wants to maintain patience for now.
Born in 1981 in Kerala, Nitya Raman moved to America with her family at the age of six. He obtained American citizenship at the age of 22. He holds a bachelor's degree from Harvard University and a master's degree in urban planning from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Raman founded 'Transparent Chennai', an urban research organization in Chennai that works towards improving cleanliness and civic amenities. After moving to Los Angeles in 2013, he worked with the local administration and also contributed to the establishment of 'Selah Neighborhood Homeless Coalition' to assist the homeless people. Additionally, she has been the executive director of 'Times Up Entertainment'.
If the final results confirm this trend, Nitya Raman's victory will be a significant achievement for people of Indian origin in American politics.