Bharat Swatantrata Diwas (Independence Day) will be celebrated as always on 15th August. It turns out that this is often a day for some confusion. Some people believe it will be the 76th Year of Independence, whereas others feel it is the 77th year. Technically both are right, it just depends on what the original question and its context. Bharat secured its independence on 15th August 1947. i.e. that would make that day, its very first day when it enjoyed independence from British rule. However, on 15th August 1948, India celebrated its first year of independence, meaning that was the day when Indians had enjoyed one full year of independence from the British. The debate will continue no doubt, and I leave it to you to discuss with family and friends as to whether it is the 76th or the 77th year!
Putting this interesting debate to one side, let’s move the discussion to some important issues affecting the Indian community in the UK. You may recall that on 15th August 2019, whilst Indians gathered outside the Indian High Commission to celebrate, a group of Islamists gathered to create anarchy. First hand evidence from eyewitnesses who were present confirmed that this Islamist mob not only shouted abuse, but threw eggs, water bottles and desecrated the Indian flag. Astonishingly, the police were not to be found anywhere to intervene and stop the madness. We have seen such madness also from Khalistani extremists who attacked the High Commission and the Indian flag recently. Again, it all happenedin thepresence of the police. One can be forgiven in thinking that maybe the Metropolitan Police are in the pockets of these extremists.How can we explain their total impotence to carry out their one basic job, to protect the High Commission, and the citizens gathered outside?
Going back to the violence by the Islamists, did you know Labour members and even politicians have taken part in suchprotestsagainst India? For example, at least on one occasion Labour MP Liam Byrne was on sucha protest.
Since 2010, we have seen a gradual erosion of the ethical code of conduct by Labour MPs and Councillors. There has been a systematic attack on PM Modi, on India and on Hindus. At every opportunity the leadership of the Labour Party has turned a blind eye to the anti-India and Hinduphobic tantrums of its politicians and members. The grip the Pakistani vote bank has on Labour is quite frankly astonishing. Keir Starmer has now been their leader since 2020, yet he has failed to contain these anti-India and Hinduphobic elements.
I have a simple message for Keir, you can visit as many Hindu mandirs as you like for that photo opportunity, but in the end, it’s your failure asLabour leaderto contain these racist extremists that will determine your legacy. You cannot aspire to be the British Prime Ministerwhen you employ anti-India MPs on your front bench. You cannot visit a mandir and then allow your Labour membership to abuse Hindus in Leicester, in Birmingham and right across the nation. You cannot expect to be a Prime Minister when you lead a party that is intent in undermining India, the biggest emerging democratic market in the world.
Starmer and Labour are a threat to this nation. A threat because they have allowed rampant antisemitism to run through the veins of Labour. A threat because they are doing the same with India and Hindus. Appeasing to the extremists from the Pakistani community for the sake of votes is to prostitute the legacy of the great Labour Party.
On 15th August, maybe Starmer needs to take the opportunity to denounce the anti-India and Hinduphobic elements in his party. He needs to make it clear that the issue of Jammu and Kashmir is one for India alone and the Labour policy will be to never interfere. He needs to adopt the working definition of anti-Hindu and Hinduphobia to ensure that he can rid the Labour party of all elements that thrive on such prejudice. On 15th August we will all celebrate Bharat Swatantrata Diwas. We will also remember what Keir and Labour do! Jai Hind.
