April 29, 2015
LONDON: British Prime Minister David Cameron has discovered a new electoral language: Hindi. With the May 7 election too close to call, British Asian votes have become an important factor, which is why both he and rival Ed Milliband, have been wooing British Asians with sharper focus than any previous election. That strategy involves learning a few Hindi phrases.
April 29, 2015
LONDON: British Prime Minister David Cameron has discovered a new electoral language: Hindi. With the May 7 election too close to call, British Asian votes have become an important factor, which is why both he and rival Ed Milliband, have been wooing British Asians with sharper focus than any previous election. That strategy involves learning a few Hindi phrases.
When asked by NDTV's Rahul Joglekar what he'd say to Hindi-speaking voters in the UK, he responded with, "Phir Ek Bar Cameron Sarkaar." This came a day after his party, the Conservative party, released a song in Hindi – Aasman Neela Hai (the sky is blue).
All opinion polls for the May 7 election are predicting a hung parliament, with the two main parties, the Conservatives and Labour led by Ed Milliband, neck and neck. Both know that the Indian vote could swing the election in many important seats. Historically, most immigrant communities have backed Labour, currently in opposition.
In 2010, one survey showed only 16 per cent of Asians voted Conservative. This time, PM Cameron is hoping that will change. "I hope to see it increase. We have proved in government that we are creating an opportunity society. You can see minority ethnic voices on our parliament, in our cabinet, in our police force, in our army."
Mr. Cameron also knew about Narendra Modi's use of 3-D holograms in elections, saying, "Britain is a bit smaller than India. But maybe in the next few days I may want one."
He also spoke about the dual responsibility of running an election campaign and the country. "It is a very early start in the morning. Going through those boxes, making the decisions, making sure the country is on track and then getting out round the country, so you are trying to do both."
In just over a week, he will know if it really is 'Phir Ek Bar Cameron Sarkaar.'
Courtessy: NDTV
