On Monday 23rd March 2015, the National Congress of Gujarati Organisations (UK) held a political event in London, inviting politicians from the three main UK political parties (Conservatives, Labour and Liberal Democrats), giving them the opportunity to engage with the Gujarati community, as well as inform them about the pledges that each parties will be taking for the upcoming elections. For certain reasons, a Liberal Democrat representative was unable to attend the political event.
The President of NGCO (UK), Sharad Parikh stated in regards to the politics, “The next general election is almost on top of us. We are almost into May. It will shape the future of our lives. So we, the Gujaratis are actively taking part in this election, so that we could make sure that we are informed, we can make the decision and give the vote where it belongs. Tonight is an opportunity for the political parties in the UK to tell us why we should be voting for them. An opportunity for the political parties to explain what they have to offer us, show us that they are in touch with our community.”
CB Patel, Editor/Publisher of Gujarat Samachar and Asian Voice was also there as a compere for the evening. CB Patel is also the Chair of Patrons Council.
Rt Hon Eric Pickles MP was very vocal about the contribution of diverse backgrounds in the UK. “Whether you're a Hindu, or a Muslim, or a jew or a Christian, or people who believe in utterly nothing; without you, British identity would be nothing.”
Pickles further advocated that people use their votes in order to make a change. “Be proud of Britain- be proud of your home country, Britain. Because, I have to tell you that we are tremendously proud of our system and the way they work. Exercise your rights, but exercise your rights as a citizen of the United Kingdom.”
Mary Creagh MP, spoke about the pros of voting for Labour and the cons of voting for the Conservatives. “The Tories plan is failing working families like yours because they prioritise helping a few people at the top. Our plan is rooted in a single truth that Britain succeeds when working families succeed. Labour offers a better plan for living standards, the next generation and for our NHS.”
At the event, Lord Feldman mentioned that the private school he attended had one third of students from the Gujarati community. He went on to say how the Gujarati community are outstanding in business, profession and possible more successful than others.
Rt Hon Keith Vaz MP also attended and spoke about many topics, such as education, communities, Britain's relationship with India. He went on to commend David Cameron for the unveiling of Mahatma Gandhi's statue at Parliament Square.
