Editorial comments, As I See It, Kapil’s Khichadi, Alpesh’s input and “Your Voice” column makes AV stand shoulder high among ethnic publications. It is not uncommon for us to disagree occasionally resulting in lively, intellectual exchanges befitting our rich cultural heritage.
Most Indians were staunch Labour supporters until a decade ago when the younger generation became politically active, questioning our blind loyalty to Labour who treated us as chattels. East African Asians are entrepreneurs, we had to be self-reliant, in education, health and retirement.
These qualities served us well when we were forced to abandon our carefree life. Some of us had to rush to Britain in 1968 when Labour government under patriarch Jim Callaghan restricted rights of British passport holders. It was conceived to be racist legislation aimed against British Asians who wanted to come here during decolonization uncertainty.
With arrival of reformist Tony Blair on political scene, we soon forgot the past, became loyal Blairites until his involvement in Iraq war. Nihilistic, fiduciary Ed with nexus vote bank, further alienated Indian community with his pseudo obsession with “Caste” legislation, with Labour’s construed anti BJP/Modi rhetoric. Modi, who travelled the world since becoming PM, has yet to visit Britain. If Labour’s anti Modi/India wing gains upper-hand, this long awaited visit may never materialize, thus Britain missing out on trade deals to Germany. Vote for right candidate, irrespective of party affiliation.
Bhupendra M. Gandhi
By email
