I read with interest Cllr. Ameet Jogia’s views so elegantly expressed in his piece titled “Stamping out intimidation of those in public life” in Asian Voice dated 23rd December 2017.
As Ameet himself was target of intimidation when he stood as Conservative Parliamentary candidate in our Brent North Constituency during June 2017 General Election, he speaks with personal experience.
Then he is not alone, as most ethnic minority candidates have gone through similar experiences. But most are principled, hardworking, public spirited candidates who would not hesitate to lie on bed of nails to enter politics and serve their constituents, communities with dedication.
Then even white, indigenous candidates, including Jewish politicians receive similar threats and intimidation. So political thuggery is not confined to any one race, colour, religion or culture.
Who could forget brutal, cowardly and politically motivated murder of Labour MP Jo Cox who represented the constituency of Batley and Spen in June 2016 by a right wing fanatic?
Politics is indeed becoming dangerous profession, no wonder the lure of politics is diminishing fast. It is time for PM Theresa May to introduce new laws ASAP to stamp out intimidation, as recommended in the report by “The Committee on Standards in Public Life” led by Lord Bew, in the aftermaths of death threats to Conservative MP Anna Soubry and Labour MP Luciana Berger.
I have known Ameet for a long time, even before he entered politics, had the opportunity to meet Ameet several times, once in the company of Lord Dolar Popat who is his mentor, guardian and loyal supporter.
Ameet is rare breed who puts his shoulder to the wheel, day in, day out. Let us wish Cllr. Ameet Jogia a bright future in politics, as it is only a question of time before he enters HOC as an MP!
Bhupendra M. Gandhi
By email
