New Delhi: The buzz about the election of the British Prime Minister is just nonstop on social media in India.
Social media users are buoyed over the prospect of an Indian-origin British prime minister, after former finance minister Rishi Sunak got the most votes from Conservative MPs in the first round of voting on Wednesday.
All Sunak, of South Asian descent, Attorney General Suella Braverman and former Health Secretary Sajid Javid were among the most famous and competitive candidates for the top position in Boris Johnson's cabinet.
Javid and Braverman withdrew from the race, and Sunak is now the front runner, with the most Tory lawmakers publicly backing them. Additional voting rounds are expected next week, following the weekend's scheduled televised debates.
While most Indian-Americans applauded Sunak's lead in the race to succeed outgoing Prime Minister Boris Johnson, some tried to rein in the hopes by arguing that Sunak's victory did not necessarily mean India. The UK's readiness for a "non-white" leader was also questioned by other political analysts.
It is fascinating to see South Asian candidates gaining popularity in British politics as it represents a seismic shift in the country's political landscape. Whatever the case, Manoj Joshi, a Delhi-based political commentator and columnist, believes Britain is not yet ready for a brown prime minister, be it Sunak or someone else.
“Racism is still widespread and deeply ingrained in the island country. And it is doubtful that most Britons would welcome a non-white prime minister,
relation to the past
Given the long-standing ties between India and its former colonial power, Twitter users in India expressed excitement over the prospect of a British prime minister, who is of Indian origin. One Twitter user said that history would have indeed come full circle if Rishi Sunak had become the next British Prime Minister.
Non-white candidates in politics can be beneficial to the UK, a country that prides itself on its diversity and multiculturalism, as they bring "a deep understanding of issues and nuances due to their cultural connection with India", Ashok Sajjanhar According to, a former Indian Ambassador to Sweden.
The diplomat emphasized that the partnership on a range of issues, including climate change, terrorism and migration, is at the heart of the strong relationship between the UK and India. "There will be more coordination and it will be easier to bridge differences or resolve conflicts at the national level if Asians are in high positions of power,"
management estimate probability
Although the Indian diaspora takes great pride in Sunak's fame, some political analysts have attempted to play down the enthusiasm surrounding Sunak. Instead, he has cited the proliferation of fraternity and Indian-origin leaders in other countries, including Barack Obama and former Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar.
Because of their position, India may not necessarily start taking advantage immediately. According to Srikant Kondapalli, Dean of the School of International Studies and Professor of China Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi, "These candidates will clearly serve their home constituency and not the country with which they are currently only. share a weak relationship."
He used US Vice-President Kamala Harris as an example, whose mother's connection to the Indian diaspora was a cause for much celebration in India. However, Harris has been very careful when projecting a pro-India image or making an offer to us.
He said that sometimes, contrary to expectations, cultural ties can also backfire, making such candidates critical of India, so we should keep that in mind as well.
The British public is still divided over the eccentric administration, with many criticizing him for raising taxes to their highest level since the 1940s while he was chancellor.
Rishi Sunak vows to tackle inflation caused by Rishi Sunak & reduce taxes set by Rishi Sunak,” read a tweet.
In his final months before resigning, he fought against lowering taxes for fear of inflation. Inflation in the UK is projected to exceed 11 per cent in October.
Born to a pharmacist mother and a general practitioner father, Sunak holds degrees from Oxford University and Stanford. He was an analyst at Goldman Sachs before becoming chancellor in 2020 at the age of 39.
Former Chancellor Rishi Sunak wins first round of Tory leadership vote
