While Labour’s commitment to increase female representation in HOC to 50% is commendable, if not turned into politically correct manifested obsession. However implementation of this policy lacks foresight. Labour’s intention to declare “Harrow East” as one of 46 all-women shortlisted constituencies, contrary to local Labour wishes, shows bunker mentality, is prime example of how out of touch party is with grass-root opinion.
Navin Shah could have won the seat if Labour had not turned Harrow East into den of inequality concentrating their efforts on Harrow West, already Labour stronghold. It is preciously the myopia and ignorance exhibited in the past that has kept Labour in the doldrums.
In Uma Kumaran and Cllr Kiran Ramchandani, Labour has two credible candidates to select from. But in Harrow, British Indian community plays crucial part. Labour’s unsavoury, blind obsession with caste legislation, (Please read Lord Popat’s excellent article on page 8) appeasement, paddling an exclusionist politics, perceived indifference towards British Indians and Jewish community, has driven many Labour supporters into the arms of Conservatives, who under David Cameron, successfully established close repertoire with British Indian intelligentsia. Labour’s first and foremost priority should be to win election and for JC to be PM, as without power, Labour could not implement its popular, people friendly policies.
While Indian community strongly supported Bob Blackman when opposed by Labour’s Uma Kumaran, they were divided when Navin was the opponent, as Navin is well respected in Asian community, once popular Harrow Council leader and now London Assembly member. Without Navin, Indian community will find it easier to unite behind Bob without hesitation as Bob is indeed darling of British Indians and true friend who has stood by us, time and again, early Christmas present for Bob indeed. Who says politics is boring?
Bhupendra M. Gandhi
By email
