Since the Brexit vote back in 2016 U.K. has seen political upheaval, the Remainer’s continuously moaning and proponents of Brexit, until now basking in glory. We had a Tory party leader election in not too distant in the past when Theresa May announced her resignation on 24 May 2019 and Boris Johnson was elected with almost twice as much as votes on 23 July 2019. He went on to win the next election later that year by a thumping majority of 80.
Nothing could go wrong both for Boris or the Conservatives, managing to win long-held Labour seats with popular vote. The result gave Johnson clear mandate to depart from European Union on January 202 and repeal the European Communities Act 1972.
Then came Covid and whilst the whole world plunged into two years of major change in the change of lifestyle, relatively large number of deaths in prosperous nations of northern hemisphere. Whilst no checks were implemented on travellers coming to UK in early 2020, lockdown measures came too late in force on 26 March 2020. The government announced furlough, eat out to help out as well as loans to smaller firms to keep the economy going. The country appreciated the hard work and sacrifices made by the NHS staff and as the news of vaccine discovery by Pfizer, AstraZeneca and Moderna were announced, Johnson ensured that UK buys up as much stock even at a high price to implement rapid vaccination programme. UK Covid-19 vaccination response would be almost an unqualified successes however fast forward to August 2022; however, a lot has changed since.
Following news of the inordinate expenses in refurbishing No. 10, late night parties when the rest of the nation was in lockdown, Johnson’s lack of transparency when questioned in the Parliament and lastly, his denial of knowledge of Chris Pincher’s alleged sexual misdemeanour leading to swift resignations by Chancellor Health Secretary meant he had no options but to go triggering another leadership election.
The Tory party members are preparing to vote for the last two in contest, ex Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Foreign Secretary Liz Truss. Sunak has had bad publicity and the latest polls are not in his favour. He is the first Indian origin candidate fighting vigorously with his sound financial background emulating Thatcherite image and with opposing views to Truss who wants to cut taxes. For British Indian Tory Party members, it is a dilemma who to vote for. Do we show our camaraderie and give chance to one of our own? If they want Conservatives to win the next election which looks quite tough, ideally the candidate should be able to have enough up his or her sleeves to fight Labour who must be rubbing their hands in glee to see the Tories infighting as Godsend.
Sunak is embroiled by what appears to be anti-right-wing press in him being married to one of the richest Indian man’s daughters who enjoys a non-dom status thus saving on tax. Although she has already announced that she will still pay tax on any foreign income. Could there be racism involved? Is this country ready to receive and Indian origin British person to be their PM?
India was terms ‘Jewel in the Crown’ of the British colonies and here is the golden chance for the Tory apparatchiks to show their true colours. Boris was popular once, even sold the idea that we could save £350bn per week – a misleading claim and the public must be exasperated by any politician making new promises.
At the end of the day, the right and capable candidate must win. With inflation nearly 10% and cost of living soaring after Ukraine war and forthcoming winter of discontent with rising energy bills it will take strong resolve and a sound economics mind to steer the nation.
Let us all come together and support Rishi Sunak -as between the two, Labour will have more fight on their hands. Labour will try and use the left-wing press and support of their anti-Indian, anti-Hindu contingent even on religious lines to divert votes
Jai Hind:Desh Premi
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