The last leg of feverish election campaign in and around Southall with Indian origin Labour candidates in fray – though sombre due to recent terrorist attack in London – hasn’t lost its pace. The campaign offices of Virendra Sharma (Southall), Seema Malhotra (Heston) and Tanmanjit Singh Dhesi (Slough) are hives of activity with many volunteers gearing up to put up posters, give out leaflets, make phone calls and knock door-to-door to seek votes for their candidates.
There is an easy camaraderie, which for the last few weeks has brought together scores of volunteers in each camp and they have been bonding over chai/pakoras/samosas brought in from different caterers rooting in for their “MPs”.
India’s victory over Pakistan in ICC Champions trophy yesterday is also part of the conversation in the background, but soon every one returns to focus on the work at hand.
Constituency: Ealing, Southall
I catch up with Virendra Sharma, the sitting Labour MP as he begins his campaign day. He, along with a large group of local councillors, volunteers and supporters, are out and about working tirelessly to get his message across. He looks sombre when I ask him about how he feels returning to the campaign after the terror attacks.
We have seen terrible things in Manchester and near London Bridge. I myself was in the Parliament when it was attacked. The people perpetrating these attacks are not to be reasoned with. They wish to disrupt our lives and attack our city of tolerance and culture. We best combat their ideology by carrying on with our lives and by being what they are not.Virendra Sharma
His campaign has been marred with one or the other controversy involving the local Sikh and Pakistani communities. When asked if that has affected him or would impact the votes, Sharma, the composed politician, responded saying:
A very small number of people have been spreading lies about what I have said in the past for their own benefit. What I will say is only a handful of people have raised these issues on the street and when I have explained what I have said, they have mostly agreed with me. This election is about public services and our vision for this country and not about a religious argument from half way around the world.Virendra Sharma
The main issues concerning the local diaspora community includes NHS services, Ealing hospital closure, jobs and security. How will Sharma work towards them if elected?
“The Indian diaspora has the same problems as the other people in the UK. They want to look after their health, want their children to go to good schools and they want good jobs for their whole family. Labour is the only party investing in these things. We will put more money in grassroots… As a father and a grandfather I know these are the issues that worry me about the future of the grandchildren.”
He comes across as an assured politician, who has worked for years in the community, and this shows in the swarm of enthusiastic supporters holding his posters and leaflets, knocking on doors and seeking votes for him.
Constituency: Heston and Feltham
It’s an electric atmosphere at Seema Malhotra’s campaign office. A group of young volunteers are ready to start the phone-in. A lovely young man is greeted with a lot of gusto as he walks in through the door. He has just brought in piping hot samosas from ‘Delhiwala’ restaurant next door. Dressed in her signature jacket, Malhotra appears all fired up for a hectic campaign day.
I am visiting a children’s centre to meet with mothers and listen to their issues. I and my young volunteers’ team are going to knock doors in Cranford, Heston and Feltham. Later in the afternoon I will meet parents outside schools.Seema Malhotra
This is not all. She will join a local Bengali community group in the evening for Iftar followed by election hustings with the Hounslow Business Community.
She’s hopeful of a Labour Party victory because “people are really concerned about Tories’ policies on NHS, social care, higher education, housing and more. Labour can offer solutions to these issues.”
She has always been vocal about improving business and trade relations with India and has worked to create policies for it. She promises to continue doing that in the wake of Brexit where “diaspora community can go a long way in strengthening relationships between the two countries.”
Her women’s network has also given opportunity for women to take part in political discussions.
Her volunteers are equally excited about her campaign. “I love helping out, especially in elections, it brings people together. I admire Seema because she helps many people across the constituency from all faiths and backgrounds and of all ages,” says Sunaina.
Seema is a role model to many women. As a mother I have been inspired by Seema’s commitment to women’s issues and her campaign on early years education. It is important to my daughter’s future that we have people like Seema as a voice in Parliament and that is why I am working hard to get her re-elected.Rebecca, Volunteer and Supporter
“It is hugely important to have someone with Seema’s economic background and intelligence in Parliament given Brexit. Her record on the major economic issues has been sensible, credible and proven correct,” claims Tommy, a young man from the constituency who finds inspiration in Malhotra’s achievements.
Constituency: Slough, Berkshire
Tanmanjit Singh Dhesi, who is expected to become the first ever turbaned Sikh in the British parliament, is leaving no stone unturned to cover all areas of Slough to spread the Labour Party message.
Adorning a maroon turban and dressed in formals as always, Tan (as he is popularly known), is delegating the day’s campaign work to a group of dedicated volunteers from the local Sikh community and Labour Party who are burning midnight oil to ensure that Labour retains the seat.
Initially embroiled in a controversy about taking over a ‘woman-seat’, Tan seems to have gained ground in Slough. He has also promised to shift back from Gravesham, where he is a Labour councillor and former Mayor. He feels passionate about Labour values and has received support from senior Labour leadership, including the Mayor of London.
“It’s the last leg of a hectic campaign. Our volunteers are phoning-in, leafleting, (putting up) posters, knocking door-to-door, talking to people. Labour offers hope and I will be proud to serve the constituents of Slough,” says Tan, waving a goodbye before rushing off for his day’s campaign grind.
We are supporting Tanmanjit Singh Dhesi because it’s important to get Sikh representation in the Parliament. Tan has the required experience and background in community work. He will work for all and will be a good MP.Local supporter of Singh
Local Sikh community, gurdwaras and groups have also expressed their support for him.
Following the Indian-origin candidates working really hard in their constituency, garnering support and reaching out to one and all has been an interesting experience.
Though they are contesting on "safe" Labour seats, no one is taking anything for granted.
How will the weekend turn out for them, only time will tell.
(Kamalpreet Kaur is a freelance journalist based in London, working with TV, radio, print and digital platforms)
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