Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar hosted "Soneri Sangat," a Zoom programme analysing the upcoming British elections. Chairman and Editor-in-Chief CB Patel led the discussion with guest speakers Lord Bhikhu Parekh, Subhash Thakrar OBE, Kanti Nagda MBE, Vimalji Odedra, Dr. Richa Sinha, and Krishna Pujara. They provided insights on key issues and potential outcomes in an interactive session.
This year Asian community is more engaged in elections as before
Kanti NagdaMBE shared his extensive experience, stating, "I have actively participated in all elections over the past 50 years. This year, our Asian community is more engaged than before. It is true that Muslims participate more in elections. Looking at the list of candidates, the number of Muslims is very high, which is a positive sign for the Muslim community. However, it has been observed that the Hindu community shows less interest in elections." He noted the trend of Indian organisations issuing separate manifestos and suggested a unified approach to streamline communication with politicians. Kanti criticised community leaders advocating for specific party votes, cautioning against such actions for charity organisations to avoid regulatory issues.
Chairperson of the Scottish Hindu Foundation, Richa Sinha discussed the significance of the elections, particularly from a Scottish perspective, where she has lived for over 20 years. Originally from India, she has participated in many elections in Scotland. She stated, “This time, there has been a remarkable increase in participation from Hindus and the Indian diaspora. They are actively involved in leafleting and campaigning for various candidates.”
Speaking about the voting she said, “We must go beyond voting to emphasise active participation and effective lobbying in politics. Mandirs, as central meeting places, should engage more actively, similar to other faith communities. From a Scottish perspective, the growth in Scottish whiskey exports to India underscores opportunities for lobbying, such as promoting an India-Middle East-European economic corridor. Organising smaller groups like the Gujarati business group or the Economic Forum can bolster our representation in political circles, especially within conservative networks. It's essential to unite efforts to ensure Hindu voices are heard on critical issues like immigration, asylum, and accessing government funding in business, foreign policy, and agriculture.”
Election serves as a cornerstone of democracy
Professor Lord Bhikhu Parekh underscored the vital role of elections in democracy, emphasising that they allow for popular autonomy and the selection of government representatives by the people. Elections serve as the cornerstone of democracy, offering a gauge of public sentiment and decision-making. He highlighted the current significance of this election, noting the internal divisions within the Conservative Party and declining respect for the Prime Minister. In contrast, the Labour Party presents a unified front with a comprehensive manifesto focusing on NHS and education policies. He encouraged everyone to fulfill their civic duty by voting, emphasising the need to consider both national and global perspectives when assessing party policies for their impact and effectiveness.
Krishna Pujara, CEO of Saheli Enfield, highlighted challenges within the Conservative Party despite Rishi Sunak's leadership as Prime Minister. She noted growing uncertainty among voters between Labour and the Lib Dems, citing Labour's proactive election preparations. She also addressed the housing affordability crisis, affecting middle-class families and junior doctors struggling to save for deposits.
Hindu organisations should guide their communities politically
Subhash Thakrar OBE points out that Hindus, including the Gujarati community, often lack political engagement. He criticises Hindu organisations for claiming to be apolitical, suggesting they should guide their communities politically. Subhash argues that manifesto readings are impractical and advocates for summaries instead. He emphasises the need for Hindu values to align with political policies, favouring Conservatives over Labour. Subhash commends Prime Minister Rishi Sunak for his dedication to duty and adherence to Hindu principles like performing karma without attachment to results. He urged the community not to waste their right to vote and stressed the need to evaluate political parties' value systems and policies to make informed decisions.
Speaking about internal issues in the political parties, he said, “Politicians are constantly engaged in internal conflicts; even within Labour, disagreements arise shortly after apparent unity, as seen in recent incidents like the Diane Abbott situation. Despite these issues, Hindu organisations should not hesitate to encourage Hindus to vote. It's their responsibility to actively reach out to members, urging them not to waste their votes, as abstaining could be detrimental to the community's interests.”
“Newspapers like Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar can play a crucial role by educating people about party policy differences. It's essential to emphasise that Hindus must vote—this is our primary message in the short time we have. After July 4th, regretting low Hindu voter turnout would be too late. We need to act now, urging everyone, including family members, to prioritise voting, whether for parliamentary or council elections. As citizens, we must exercise our civil rights, just as I learned from my experience coming from Uganda, where not voting led to dire consequences. Let's value and exercise our right to vote responsibly,” he added.
President NCGO Vimalji Odedara stressed the importance of voting among Gujaratis and Indians, urging a balance between liberal ideals and the preservation of Gujarati and Hindu values. He stressed the need for unity within the community, citing disorganisation as a weakness. All dignitaries unanimously called for increased voter turnout, emphasising that it is essential for all Indians to exercise their voting rights. He highlighted the convenience of polling stations in the UK, open until 11 pm, and underscored that voting is a moral responsibility that must be fulfilled.
