Anti-Indian forces targeting Hindu councillors in UK
The UK has witnessed a surge of anti-Indian and anti-Hindu sentiments in recent months, especially in Leicester, where a Hindu temple was vandalised and a saffron flag was pulled down by unidentified men in September 2022. The incident sparked violence and unrest between Hindu and Muslim groups, following an India-Pakistan cricket match. The Indian High Commission in London condemned the attack and sought immediate action from the UK authorities.
However, the Labour Party, which has been accused of being “anti-Indian” and “anti-Hindu” by many British Hindus, has reportedly purged all its Hindu councillors in Leicester, preventing them from contesting in the upcoming local elections in May 2023. Out of the 18 councillors who were deselected by the party's national executive committee (NEC), seven were of Indian-origin, including six Hindus and one Christian. All these candidates had voted for a motion to remove the directly elected mayoral model, but the motion was defeated.
The Labour Party's decision to deselect all its Hindu councillors has drawn criticism from the Hindu community and the Conservative Party, who see it as a sign of discrimination and appeasement. Some of the deselected councillors have switched to the Conservatives, while others are standing as independents. The Labour Party has also faced backlash for passing a motion criticising India's actions in Kashmir at its annual conference in 2019, which was seen as interfering in India's internal affairs and siding with Pakistan.
The Labour Party's anti-Indian and anti-Hindu stance has alienated many British Hindus, who are traditionally loyal to the party. According to the 2011 census, there are about 833,000 Hindus in the UK, making up 1.5% of the population. They are mostly concentrated in London and Leicester, where they form 15% and 14% of the population respectively. Many British Hindus are well-educated, affluent and influential, and their vote could make a difference in some marginal seats3.
The Conservative Party, on the other hand, has tried to woo British Hindus by expressing support for India's policies on Kashmir and other issues.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has also visited several Hindu temples and festivals, and praised the contributions of British Hindus to the UK society and economy. The Conservative Party hopes to gain more votes from British Hindus in the upcoming elections, especially in Leicester, where they have a chance to challenge the Labour Party's dominance.
The anti-Indian and anti-Hindu forces in the UK pose a threat to the social harmony and democratic values of the country. They also undermine the interests and aspirations of British Hindus, who are an integral part of the UK's multicultural fabric. It is time for British Hindus to stand up for their rights and dignity, and vote for a party that respects their identity and supports their causes.
The challenges and opportunities for British Hindus in the UK
British Hindus face many challenges in the UK, such as discrimination, racism, Islamophobia, hate crime, media bias, political marginalisation and cultural erosion. They also face internal challenges, such as generational gaps, identity crises, caste divisions and religious extremism. These challenges affect their well-being, security and dignity as British citizens.
However, British Hindus also have many opportunities in the UK, such as education, employment, entrepreneurship, innovation, leadership and social mobility. They also have the opportunity to showcase their culture and heritage, and to contribute to the UK's society and economy. They have the opportunity to shape the UK's future and to influence its relations with India and the world.
British Hindus need to overcome their challenges and seize their opportunities in the UK. They need to be confident and proud of their identity and heritage, and to assert their rights and interests.
They need to be united and organised, and to collaborate with other communities. They need to be active and engaged in the UK's political system and civil society. They need to be responsible and respectful citizens, who uphold the values of democracy, diversity and human rights.
How to support British Hindus in the UK
British Hindus are facing a challenging situation in the UK, where they are being targeted by anti-Indian and anti-Hindu forces. They need the support and solidarity of their fellow citizens, who value democracy, diversity and human rights. Here are some ways to support British Hindus in the UK:
Educate yourself and others about the history and culture of British Hindus, and their contributions to the UK society and economy. Learn about their festivals, traditions, beliefs and values, and respect their diversity and pluralism. Avoid stereotypes, prejudices and misinformation about British Hindus and India.
Speak out against any form of discrimination, harassment or violence against British Hindus, whether online or offline. Report any incidents of hate crime or hate speech to the authorities and relevant organisations. Challenge any narratives or policies that are biased or hostile towards British Hindus and India.
Engage with British Hindus in your community, workplace, school or other settings. Build bridges of friendship, dialogue and cooperation with them. Celebrate their achievements and support their causes. Join them in their cultural and religious events, and invite them to yours.
Advocate for the rights and interests of British Hindus in the UK's political system. Encourage them to participate in the democratic process and vote for candidates who represent their views and values. Support policies that promote social justice, equality and inclusion for British Hindus and other minority groups.
Donate to or volunteer for organisations that work for the welfare and empowerment of British Hindus in the UK. These include charities, NGOs, temples, cultural centres, media outlets and others. They provide various services and programmes for British Hindus, such as education, health, social care, youth development, women empowerment, interfaith dialogue and more.
Conclusion
British Hindus are an integral part of the UK's multicultural fabric. They have a rich history and culture, and they have made significant contributions to the UK's society and economy.
They are facing anti-Indian and anti-Hindu forces in the UK, who are trying to undermine their rights and dignity. They need the support and solidarity of their fellow citizens, who value democracy, diversity and human rights. They also need to overcome their challenges and seize their opportunities in the UK. By doing so, they can thrive and flourish in the UK, and make it a better place for everyone.
