Diaspora (Commonwealth Union) _ As India’s general election results loom, the Indian diaspora in the UK is keenly anticipating the outcomes, expected on Tuesday. With exit polls suggesting a likely third term for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, many of the 969 million eligible voters’ choices will soon be revealed.
The UK’s Indian community follows the world’s largest democratic process closely, driven by familial connections, cultural ties, and political interests. This diverse group exhibits a range of perspectives on the election and its implications.
India’s election, which began in April, is a monumental event. Modi, leading the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has been a prominent figure on the campaign trail, attending over 200 public events. Meanwhile, the primary opposition, the Indian National Congress, is spearheaded by Mallikarjun Kharge, with notable figures Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi playing key roles. The BJP has faced criticism for allegedly using divisive rhetoric, particularly against Muslims, during its campaign. Nevertheless, Modi’s supporters praise his economic and welfare policies.
Kuldeep Shekhawat, President of the Overseas Friends of BJP (OFBJP), commended the party’s performance. “The country is progressing, and we are a group in the UK who support the BJP’s ideology,” he said. Demonstrating their support through campaigns and marches in Birmingham and London, Shekhawat highlighted the mutual appreciation between BJP supporters in India and the UK.
Conversely, others in the UK community oppose the BJP’s approach. Dr. Manisha Maganji, who relocated to Dudley in the West Midlands after experiencing discrimination in India, expressed concern over the rising hostility faced by Christians and Muslims under the BJP’s rule. “There was some discrimination based on being a Christian kid,” she noted, recounting incidents of violence and verbal abuse that have intensified since the BJP’s last victory. Worried for her Christian family members in India, Dr. Maganji’s concerns underscore the palpable fear among minority groups.
Aasiyah, a British Asian Muslim from Leicester, reflected on how the BJP’s campaign materials have exacerbated Hindu-Muslim tensions. She observed that these divisions are mirrored within the UK, where previously close-knit communities have begun to fracture. Aasiyah’s family in Gujarat still bears the scars of the 2002 riots, and she recalls her mother’s distressing experiences during a recent visit, where anti-Muslim sentiment was openly displayed. Living in a BJP-majority area, Aasiyah fears for her family’s safety in the politically volatile post-election period.
The Indian election has cast a spotlight on deep-seated issues, resonating across continents and stirring strong emotions within the Indian diaspora in the UK. As results are counted, these varied perspectives highlight the profound impact of India’s political landscape on its global community.
