Three lessons for Indian politics from British polls – Hindustan Times

For almost a decade, we’ve grown accustomed to viewing Britain when it comes to its flailing financial system, faltering politicians, crumbling infrastructure and steadily diminishing stature. We weren’t flawed. However now there’s a chance to see Blighty in a different way. And this time we, in India, can study a number of invaluable classes as effectively.

The UK is arguably essentially the most multicultural society on the planet. It has had a chief minister (PM) of Indian origin, a number of chancellors, international secretaries and residential secretaries who’re both Black or Asian in addition to heads of Scotland, Wales and London. I can’t consider one other nation with an analogous file.

13 per cent of the MPs lately elected to the Home of Commons are of Black/Asian or ethnic minority origin, in comparison with 10% within the earlier Home; 29 are folks of Indian origin and 15 of Pakistani origin. Twelve are Sikhs. But Asians are solely 8% of the inhabitants and Blacks 4%. Individuals of Indian origin are 3.1%. Individuals of Pakistani origin 2.7%.

As compared, Muslims are almost 15% of India’s inhabitants and in proportionate phrases there needs to be 74 Muslim MPs within the Lok Sabha. There are simply 24. In 2019 it was 26, in 2014, 23. We don’t have a Muslim chief minister in any of our 28 states, in 15 there’s no Muslim minister, in 10 there’s only one.

Extra tellingly, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Celebration doesn’t have a single Muslim Lok Sabha MP. In Uttar Pradesh, with almost 20% Muslims, the celebration doesn’t have a single Muslim member of the legislative meeting. That was additionally the case in 2017. In Gujarat, it hasn’t fielded a Muslim candidate in any Lok Sabha or Vidhan Sabha election since 1998. That’s 1 / 4 century of deliberate distancing though 9% of the state are Muslims.

There’s a second and really completely different lesson we might additionally study. How one can reply while you’ve led your celebration to its worst-ever defeat.

In Britain, the outgoing prime minister, Rishi Sunak resigned. He did so earlier than 12 hours had lapsed. The truth is, earlier than the outcomes had been absolutely out, the Conservatives had began to publicly debate what kind of celebration they should develop into in the event that they’re to return to energy. Within the weeks and months forward, that can intensify. And all the nation will take part within the course of. The media will query and provoke, MPs will quarrel and bicker, and aspirants will step ahead and drop out. It is going to typically be embarrassing for the celebration while a number of particular person reputations might shatter. However ultimately, a brand new celebration will emerge.

Now contemplate what occurred after the Congress plummeted to its worst-ever defeat in 2014. Nobody resigned. The celebration didn’t debate its future. Sonia Gandhi continued as president for 3 extra years, ultimately making approach for her son. An election to decide on a pacesetter from outdoors the Gandhi household didn’t happen until 2022 and Shashi Tharoor’s candidature was frowned upon. Even as we speak, a decade later, the Gandhis stay in efficient management. Mallikarjun Kharge could also be president however Rahul Gandhi is the person who issues. Sonia Gandhi, although previous, unwell and normally unwilling to talk in Parliament, stays chairperson of the Congress Parliamentary Celebration.

There’s a 3rd lesson too however I’ll solely point out it briefly. Sunak drove to Buckingham Palace to resign within the prime minister’s official automotive. He left in a non-public automotive from a facet gate. An hour later, Keir Starmer arrived within the chief of the opposition’s automotive. After his appointment as prime minister, he left for Downing Road within the PM’s official limousine. By the point he obtained there the Sunak household’s belongings had been packed and eliminated. No 10 was able to obtain the brand new head of presidency.

All of this occurred inside hours of the outcomes turning into clear. The constitutional course of was not paused for 5 days to rearrange a spectacular swearing-in. The election over, the job of governance started instantly. While all new prime ministers declare they’ll begin work without delay, the British truly do.

Karan Thapar is the creator of Satan’s Advocate: The Untold Story. The views expressed are private