Indian-origin
politicians can be found throughout the world, holding various positions
in various countries. Considering India's colonial connection of 200
years with the United Kingdom, Indians have served in the British
Parliament since 1892, when Dadabhai Naoroji was elected to the House of
Commons. Given the large number of Indians living in the UK, it is
fundamental that those with links to India are given an equal
opportunity to serve and represent the people in the UK alongside the
local leaders. Apart from Conservative MP Rishi Sunak, who was the first
Indian-origin politician to be appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer,
Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Cabinet includes Priti Patel and Alok
Sharma, both of whom are of Indian descent.
Not only that, there
are several other Indian-origin people who have been appointed as
leaders and ministers in the United Kingdom.
Mohinder K Midha, who was born in India, is the most recent addition to
the distinguished list.
Who is Mohinder K Midha?
Councillor Mohinder K Midha is an Indian-origin politician from the
Dalit community living in the United Kingdom. As a member of the UK's
Opposition Labour Party, she was recently elected as the Mayor of Ealing
Council in West London for the 2022-2023 term. As a result of her
election, she has become the first Dalit woman to be appointed as mayor
of a local council in London. Midha, who was re-elected as a Labour
councillor for the Dormers Wells ward in Ealing Council in London's
local elections on May 5, had previously served as the council's Deputy
Mayor.
"The first Dalit woman
mayor in the United Kingdom. A proud moment for us," tweeted Santosh
Dass, chair of the Federation of Ambedkarite and Buddhist Organisations
(FABO) in the UK, an umbrella organisation promoting Dalit rights in the
country.
The Labour Party manifesto on which she ran focused on the following
issues: lowering living costs and recovering from the pandemic,
combating violent crime and antisocial behaviour, improving social care,
re-growing, re-wilding, and recycling, as well as providing more
affordable housing.
Significance of Dalit
leaders in the UK
Caste-based discrimination is pretty much prevalent in the United
Kingdom, according to the International Dalit Solidarity Network (IDSN).
As per the organisation's official website, the 'untouchability
mindset' still exists in the country, and Dalits in the United Kingdom
encounter a plethora of direct and indirect discrimination. As a result,
there is a legitimate need for Dalit representation in the United
Kingdom. The IDSN further points out that members of the Dalit community
face prejudice in educational institutions and workplaces across the
country. As a result, with more Dalit politicians and leaders in the UK,
the deprived community can expect more support and power, as well as
reduced caste-based discrimination in the country.
Source: News9live
0 COMMENTS
