Thursday's UK general election is poised to usher in the most diverse Parliament in British history, particularly in terms of MPs of Indian descent expected to win seats nationwide.
A study conducted by the British Future think tank indicates that if Labour secures a majority or even a landslide victory, it will boast the highest number of ethnic minority MPs. The analysis highlights that approximately 14% of MPs will come from ethnic minority backgrounds, marking a significant step towards aligning Parliament's composition with the diversity of the British electorate.
"This election represents a landmark increase in ethnic minority representation and promises the most diverse Parliament to date," remarked Sunder Katwala, Director of British Future. "Over four decades, we've witnessed a transformation from no ethnic minority MPs to one in seven. Britain is rapidly bridging the diversity gap between Parliament and its electorate."
In the previous 2019 election, 15 MPs of Indian heritage were elected, many of whom are seeking re-election alongside several newcomers. Notably absent from this election cycle are Conservative MP Alok Sharma and Labour stalwart Virendra Sharma, opting not to seek re-election from Reading West and Ealing Southall respectively.
Eagerly watched constituencies like Ealing Southall, with a significant Punjabi voter base, feature British Sikh independent candidates Sangeet Kaur Bhail and Jaginder Singh.
Key contenders of British Indian origin in the upcoming polls include Praful Nargund, representing Labour in Islington North, the former constituency of suspended Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn now running as an Independent.
Other notable candidates include Jas Athwal in Ilford South, Baggy Shanker in Derby South, Satvir Kaur in Southampton Test, and Harpreet Uppal in Huddersfield, contesting crucial seats for Labour.
Rajesh Agrawal, former Deputy Mayor of London for Business, aims to secure his first parliamentary seat from Leicester East, facing competition from fellow British Indian Conservative candidate Shivani Raja. This constituency, known for its large Indian community, is also contested by former MP Keith Vaz running as an Independent.
British Sikhs like solicitor Warinder Juss from Wolverhampton West and Gurinder Singh Josan from Smethwick are hopeful of gaining ground for Labour, alongside Bihar-born Kanishka Narayan contesting in Vale of Glamorgan and Sonia Kumar aiming to overturn a Tory majority in Dudley.
Conservative candidates Chandra Kanneganti in Stoke-on-Trent Central and Ameet Jogia in Hendon face tough competition in constituencies traditionally favoring Labour.
"A diverse Parliament brings a variety of perspectives to its legislative work, enhancing policy-making effectiveness," noted Jill Rutter, Associate Fellow at British Future leading the think tank's analysis. "MPs from diverse backgrounds serve as role models for their communities, encouraging greater political engagement and voter participation among young people."
Among incumbent MPs, Conservative British Indians facing potential challenges from Labour include Shailesh Vara in North West Cambridgeshire, Gagan Mohindra in South West Hertfordshire, and Claire Coutinho in East Surrey.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is expected to retain his seat in Richmond and Northallerton, as are former Cabinet members Priti Patel in Witham and Suella Braverman in Fareham and Waterlooville.
With several retirements and exits primarily from the incumbent Tories, the newly elected Parliament on Friday will welcome approximately 158 new MPs to the House of Commons.
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