May I congratulate AV/GS team for detailed analysis of this unpredictable election in living memory with more women, BME and novices walking corridor of power, replacing long serving politicians. Is it triumph or mockery of democracy only time will tell? Wise, mature voting avoided doomsday scenario, another election in six months’ time.
While there are ten MPs in HOC from Indian and Pakistani background and three Bangladeshis, it is refreshing to note that while Indian MPs come from varied social, cultural, religious background, Pakistanis and Bangladeshis are exclusively from Muslim faith, lack cultural diversity that may be detrimental for multiculturalism. While perceptive yuppie Indians concentrated on financial aspect with more millionaires, prophetic Pakistanis rightly cemented their roots in politics.
Keith Vaz’s contribution over three decades is praise-worthy, unmatched, loyally serving his constituents in Leicester. His fight against mangos ban and rushing to Heathrow airport to free Baba Ramdevji from illegal detention are well documented.
One glaring omission is that of popular, hard-working Lord Popat and MP Sailesh Vara from the Cabinet, although appointments are still ongoing. If left out, it will dent Indian community’s trust in PM Cameron who has gained support of Indian/Hindu/Sikh/Jain community. Rise of Priti Patel, Minister of State (Employment) is well deserved, uplifting and perhaps one day we may see British Asian female in No 10 Downing Street!
Perhaps we may read more in-depth articles, analyses in the next issue of AV/GS.
Bhupendra M. Gandhi
By email
