This is the first time in the history of Greater Manchester, the Indian community launching a procession in support of a political party…writes Kaliph Anaz for Asian Lite, UK’s No 1 newspaper for British-Asians
Finally the election fever gripped the immigrant Indian community at Trafford in Greater Manchester. As the general election just 11 days away, a section of the Indian Community came in full support of Mr. Chacko Luke, Clifford Ward Conservative Candidate and Mr Lijo John, Conservative candidate at Gorse Hill ward, Trafford Council besides Lisa Cooke, the parliamentary candidate Stretford and Urmston Constituency.
The constituency is a Labour stronghold. Labour’s Kate Green and Conservative’s Lisa Cooke are the main contenders. Others include UKIP’s Kalvin Chapman, Liberal Democrat’s Louise Ankers and Green’s Geraldine Coggins.
The community, most of them from the south Indian state of Kerala, utilised the fine summer weather on a weekend to take a procession at Urmston in Trafford. The presence of ‘Gandhi’ amused the onlookers at both sides of the road.
Even though the Gandhi figure with a bulge looks different from the usual skinny figure in a loin cloth, the electorate at Trafford clapped to support the procession. Mr. Chacko Luke, Clifford Ward Conservative Candidate for Trafford Council donned the role of Gandhi, India’s Father of the Nation.
Recently Prime Minister David Cameron along with India’s Finance Minister Arun Jaitley led an event to unveil a Gandhi statue at historic Parliament Square in London.
This is the first time in the history of Greater Manchester, the Indian community taking a procession in support of a political party.
Mr Sabu Kurian, Managing Director of St Mary’s International and the Deputy Chairman of Stertford and Urmston Conservatives, lead the procession. Mr Sabu is also the Chairmanof the Global Pravasi Malayali Council.