New York, May 2 -- A day after Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar, the first Punjabi-American elected to New York state office, sparked controversy after sharing her photo with Khalistani flags, the Indian-American politician tried to clear the air, saying she was against extremist and fringe groups that spread hatred. She also highlighted her Hindu credentials.

Jenifer Rajkumar faced backlash online after she shared a photo of herself at the Sikh Day Parade as the guest of honor. The photo had several Khalistani flags in the backdrop.

Angered by the photo, people said that by "affiliating with Khalistani separatists" she had "disappointed Hindus".

In a statement sent to media outlet IndiaToday.in, Jenifer Rajkumar highlighted how she made...