News coming to me suggests that ‘Hindus for Labour’, a new entity led by Dr Neeraj Patil are planning to hold a gathering on 29th September during the Labour Party Annual Conference in Brighton. The aim it seems is to inform the hierarchy about how to engage purposefully with our community.
Had I been invited to talk, then the following is what I would have said to the audience.
Amongst many Hindus and Indians, Labour is now seen as an anti-Hindu and an anti-India party. It has lost the trust and confidence of our community. Mainly because of:
a. The anti-Modi rhetoric.
b. The anti-India rhetoric.
c. The anti-Hindu rhetoric.
d. Labour MPs and Councillors proactively supporting the Pakistani extremist actions against Indians.
e. Conference motion on Kashmir in 2019 that was orchestrated lies by Labour members.
If Labour wants to be taken seriously, then:
a. Stop appeasing the Pakistani community.
b. Accept that Kashmir is integral to India.
c. Stop appeasing the extremists from the Middle East.
d. Stop antisemitism (and racism) in all its forms.
e. Stop the anti-India, anti–Israel, anti-Hindu rhetoric championed by Labour members and politicians.
f. Stop supporting Khalistani extremists.
g. Stop playing identity politics.
h. Kick out Labour politicians and members who transgress.
Labour politicians have gone out of their way to meddle in the politics of India. Constantly agitating and undermining developments, often leading to inciting hatred and discord in India, as well as here.
Labour has been embroiled in anti-Jewish activities that even the EHRC has denounced. This trend of attacking and undermining certain communities appears to have become a trademark for Labour. We Hindus feel that we are being persecuted by the party along similar lines.
If Labour wants to truly engage with the Hindu community, then it is for Labour to do the running. Hindus do not owe Labour anything. We don’t need bigoted rhetoric and platitudes. Today we want to see concrete and sustained action before we place any trust in Labour again.
So, the message to ‘Hindus for Labour’ is clear, do your dharmic duty. Note, it was only last week that Labour MPs attacked India with their lies in Parliament. Keir should have denounced all of them, however, the silence of the shadow front bench tells its own story.
Kier, if you are really serious then in your keynote speech, I’d like to see you include the following statement: ‘Kashmir is integral to India and a matter for India alone. Any Labour member who incites hatred towards India or Hindus are not welcome. I denounce the motion on Kashmir passed in 2019 and the one put forward this year. Labour values the contribution India makes towards global peace under the leadership of PM Modi. As leader of the Labour Party, I look forward to working with PM Modi and fostering good positive relations with India.’
Hindu Organisations will not engage until and unless Labour learns to respect our community. Labour is willing to roll out the red carpet for other communities, yet rather reluctant when it comes to Hindus. Why?
Kier, are you the man to save Labour from extremism? Or will your legacy be of appeasement and failure?
There you have it, short and to the point. I am available to the Labour leadership should they really wish to engage and learn the hard truths of why Hindus like me no longer trust them. Keir, if your Kinnock moment has arrived then call me, you’ll get the unadulterated truth, even if it is hard to swallow.
