In a stark break from the Republican establishment, Ritesh Tandon blamed President Donald Trump for the economic squeeze gripping California, citing the Iran war as a primary driver of inflation. The candidate for the 17th Congressional District told NDTV World's Vishal Vivek that the conflict has triggered a cascade of rising costs, from energy to housing. "He has really done a lot of damage by starting the war with Iran," Tandon said, pointing to diesel prices that have nearly doubled to between $8 and $9 per gallon from the previous $3 to $4 range.
The financial damage extends well beyond the gas pump. Tandon noted that mortgage rates have climbed from the 4 to 5 percent range to roughly 7.5 percent, largely due to the broad tariffs Trump imposed on both rivals and allies. This surge has left many Bay Area residents, who live hand-to-mouth, struggling to keep up with the cost of living. The candidate framed these issues as direct consequences of the administration's current policy architecture.
Tandon is challenging Democratic incumbent Ro Khanna in a race that pits the candidate's promise of economic stabilization against the incumbent's established presence. While Tandon promised to stop the war and curb inflation, he also pivoted to immigration, specifically targeting country quotas that he claims disproportionately disadvantage Indian applicants. "Indians wait for 20 years to get a green card, whereas white Europeans get a green card in six months," Tandon argued, vowing to remove these caps if he secures the seat.
The candidate also sharpened his attack on Khanna's personal finances, noting the incumbent's net worth has grown from zero to $340 million while he moves into a $10 million mansion. Tandon contrasted this with his own platform of affordability and innovation, claiming crime rates have fallen in the Bay Area despite the political friction. The next phase of this campaign will focus on voter turnout in a district where economic anxiety is currently outweighing traditional party loyalty.