New York: New York mayor Michael Bloomberg?s failure to sign a bill recognising Diwali as an important festival has angered the Indian American community.
It's been 3 weeks since the New York city council passed a bill suspending parking restrictions on Diwali and in turn recognising the importance of the festival.
The bill needs to be passed by Bloomberg. But his office says no decision has been taken on it as yet.
With Bloomberg running for re-election in less than 3 weeks, Indian Americans are also turning up the heat.
Arish Sahani, president of the Association of Indians in America, said it is about time the Indian community was recognised in the city.
Rajiv Gowda, a Democrat from Staten Island, says Bloomberg's failure to act quickly shows that he doesn't really care about the community. The Mayor has just a week to sign the bill.
Gale Brewer, member city council, sponsored the legislation and is confident that the council will overturn a mayoral veto.
Bloomberg has a 27 per cent lead over his Democrat rival Fernando Ferrer. But Indian American votes may prove to be decisive.
Bloomberg has previously opposed the expansion of the number of parking holidays, arguing a growing list makes for a dirty city.
Three years ago, he vetoed the addition of Purim, Ash Wednesday and Lunar New Year, but was overruled by council.
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