Rishi Sunak as the new prime minister is not ‘something to celebrate’, according to the Manchester Hindu Society.
The general secretary of the Manchester Hindu Society said despite Sunak being the first British Indian to become leader of this country, he is not a good representative of the South Asian community.
This comes days after Sunak was appointed leader of the Conservative party when main opposition Penny Mordaunt withdrew from contention.
Anish Shah, the general secretary for the Manchester Hindu Society said: “I don’t think that his ascension to the post of prime minister is necessarily something to celebrate.
“Sunak is from a completely different background to most Indians in Britain. He is the richest man in parliament with a net worth of £730million.”
Whilst some might see this as a step forward in terms of social mobility and representation, Mr Shah did not agree.
“He is not the best representative of the Indian community, far from it. His becoming prime minister is no genuine reflection of the social mobility for Indians and South Asians.
“It is cool to see a person of colour, someone who is Indian in this position of power. But I don’t see this as some inspiring figure someone to look at and think ‘oh I can one day do what he’s done’,” he said.
“I don’t think the Asian youth of today will see Sunak in power and be empowered or inspired to continue to pursue their ambitions or aim higher.”
When faced with people feeling proud to be Indian because of what Sunak has achieved, Mr Shah was confused.
“When I hear people celebrating Sunak becoming PM, I just think why? I don’t see a point to it, I don’t necessarily feel proud.
“There are these sentiments of pride, of seeing one of our own in such a position of power, but I have to question what is ‘own’, is Sunak really our ‘own’? Perhaps not.”
The announcement that Sunak was to be the new prime minister came on October 24, the same day as the Hindu festival of light Diwali.
Mr Shah said: “It’s so auspicious that he became prime minister on Diwali, such a holy time, and the week that India beat Pakistan in the T20 Cricket World Cup.
“I genuinely think that is an important factor to consider because the narrative was of this being an amazing week for South Asians but in reality, I do not feel as heartened by this as some people might.”
Anish Shah serves as the general secretary for the Manchester Hindu Society which aims to provide a home away from home for Indians and South Asians in Manchester.
