Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar hosted the 20th episode of ‘Soneri Sangat’ on July 11th. The program provided a comprehensive analysis of the UK general election outcomes, examining their implications both nationally and internationally, particularly for the Indian diaspora. Distinguished speakers offered insights into the political landscape, economic impacts, and social consequences arising from the results.
Er. Trupti Patel, President of the Hindu Forum of Britain, reflects on the evolving political engagement of the Hindu community in the UK over the decades. She recounts milestones such as Tony Blair becoming the first Prime Minister to celebrate Diwali in the British Parliament, underscoring shifts in political awareness and participation among Hindus, she said, “If you can imagine that in those days it wasn't like conservative and labour. In those days, our concerns were primarily about settling down, ensuring our children received a good education, and addressing issues of racism. It was a time when we wondered who would listen to our problems, which were significantly different from those faced by the previous generation.” Trupti highlights the community's entrepreneurial spirit and professional contributions. She notes, "After Jeremy Corbyn's leadership brought division, I recall a conversation where one sister-in-law, now a business owner, joined the Conservative Party. Over the past 14 years, our community, mainly businesspeople and professionals, has sought change amidst Labour's evolution.” Trupti advocates electoral reforms and emphasises our commitment to Dharma principles and engagement with supportive local MPs, echoing sentiments across Hindu communities.
CEO of Sangat Advice Centre, Kanti Nagda MBE reflected on the recent UK general election outcome, noting a historic low in seats secured by the Conservative Party, he said “Over the past two centuries, only five leaders have led the Tories, including five Prime Ministers in under a decade. Take the example of Witney in Oxfordshire, a Conservative stronghold for 102 years by David Cameron until it was lost to Labour, reflecting a significant shift in voter sentiment with a 69% decline in Tory support, including a 48% drop in votes. Voters perceived the Tories as incompetent, delivering poor results and marred by internal conflicts.”
Kanti expressed pride in witnessing Rishi Sunak, a fellow of Indian origin, ascend to become the UK's first Prime Minister of Indian descent, amidst enduring racial prejudices. Addressing criticisms of Sunak, he remarked, "Despite his personal warmth and kindness, Sunak faced significant challenges in his role as a political leader. At 44, he unexpectedly called a snap election outside Number 10 in May, contending with adverse weather that soaked his script and raised questions about the adequacy of basic provisions. This move garnered criticism within his party, highlighting concerns over his policy decisions and financial stewardship."
“Despite Sunak's announcement of milestones in reducing inflation and economic growth, issues persisted with his famous 5-point plan and a controversial proposal to ban smoking for younger generations. His term was marked by scandal, including accepting donations from controversial figures and personal controversies over lifestyle and political appointments. His legacy will be debated, especially given the challenges faced during his tenure, despite notable efforts like the furlough scheme during the COVID-19 pandemic,” he added.
Subhash Thakrar OBE, Vice President and Past Chairman, London Chamber of Commerce emphasised the evolving role of Hindu organisations in political engagement, stating, "Our Hindu organisations must think ahead and strategize how to influence existing political parties. It's no longer viable for us to remain apolitical; we need to engage intelligently without overtly supporting any single party. Instead, we should focus on increasing civic participation."
Reflecting on the recent elections, he added, "Firstly, I extend my best wishes to the new government for their success, which is crucial for all of us. Personally, I have reservations about their prospects but sincerely hope they succeed. It's concerning that only 60% of eligible voters turned out, leaving 40% unrepresented. We must explore why this happened—whether protest or apathy—and Asian Voice could initiate this discussion. Despite the Labour Party's headlines, their vote share was only slightly above 30%, meaning around 20% of eligible voters backed them. This discrepancy, amplified by our first-past-the-post system, highlights a substantial lack of true representation, despite claims of a landslide victory."
