Engaging Hindus In Politics

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An Analysis Of Hindu Involvement in British Politics

August 8

2011 Any views or comments made in this report, do not necessarily reflect those of the organization.

Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh UK

Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh UK An Analysis Of Hindu Involvement in British Politics

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Summary of Facts Page 3

Analysis Page 4

-Members of Parliament Page 6

-Members of the House of Lords Page 10

- Local Councillors Page 12

- London Assembly Members Page 15

What is the Issue? Page 17

Contents


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1. The Hindu population in Britain is approximately 623,000

2. Harrow (19%), Brent (17%), Leicester (15%) have the highest population of Hindus

3. 52% of the Hindu population reside in London

4. 12% of the Hindu population reside in the East Midlands

5. 10% of the Hindu population reside in the West Midlands

6. There are currently 4 Hindu Members of Parliament

7. There are currently 14 Hindu Members of the House of Lords

8. There are an estimated 104 local Hindu Councillors

9. There is currently 1 Hindu Member of European Parliament

10. There is currently 1 Hindu Member of the London Assembly

11. There are currently no Hindu Members of the Welsh Assembly

12. There are currently no Hindu Members of Scottish Parliament

13. The first ethnic minority Member of Parliament was a Hindu (Dadabhai Naroji – 1892)

14. The first ethnic minority in the House of Lords was Hindu (Satyendra Prasanno Sinha – 1919)

These figures are analysed in more detail, in the report. It is important to note that these statistics

only tells the picture, even that being shallow. It is how we utilise these facts and practically act is

what is more important. Hence, this report has been kept short as this is where we stop talking and

start doing.

Summary of Facts


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The reason for this section is to remove any misconceptions or assumptions on the state of Hindu

engagement in local and national politics. Once there is hard facts and evidence to analyse, key

issues can be identified and a system of progressive change can begin. We have identified four

particular references of representation from which conclusions can be inferred.

1. Hindu Representation in the House of Commons. (MP’s)

It is important to look at Hindu representatives on a national level, although their presence from

a Hindu perspective may be tokenistic; it is still a strong symbol of civic engagement from the

Hindu community. The word “Tokenistic” in this context has a positive connotation as we must

appreciate that a Hindu MP, is a national representative, not a religious one. Also, the fact that

Parliament symbolises a position of power, for any ethnic minority to see an Member of

Parliament who shares the same cultural identity as them can serve to be empowering and

could inspire political engagement.

2. Hindu Representation in the House of Lords ( Lords and Baronesses)

I have also focused on the second chamber of parliament, the House of Lords, because it

represents a different perspective. The Lords have been selected on merit rather than being

elected by the people, this can show two things: individualism and significant contribution to

British Society. It is important to note that although Lords are chosen due to their expertise in

certain areas, many are selected due to large sums of donations to certain parties and being a

key advocate for the party. Hence from the perspective of the Hindu community, a strong

presence in the House of Lords should theoretically mean we have an influence in decision

making through a different means. Not only this, but having influential and active Hindu Lords

and Baronesses can be seen as a representation of an active community.

Analysis


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3. Hindu representation at local council level ( Councillors)

Local representation is arguably the most important and most effective way to represent issues

facing Hindu communities across the country. Hence, the presence of a proportionate number of

Councillors to the Hindu population could suggest a strong grass roots involvement in politics.

Hence, it can be said with confidence after having had exposure to the workings of a local

authority, that having 6 or 7 united Hindu councillors in a council would be a create a strong

force when dealing with local Hindu issues.

4. Hindu Representation in the London Assembly (Assembly Members)

The London Assembly has been highlighted as a point of Interest in this report because of the

size of the Hindu population which inhabits it. 52% Britain’s Hindu population resides in London;

for this reason London should be a breeding ground for Hindu involvement in politics and that

there should be satisfactory representation in the various political institutions.

Data has been presented in two-fold. The report will first compare the proportion of Hindus MP’s in

relation to the total number of ethnic minority MP’s with the total Hindu population in relation to

the ethnic minority population. This will allow us to compare our involvement in relation to other

communities, giving us a benchmark to aim for and perhaps highlight the need to learn from them.

It will also compare the proportion of Hindu MP’s in relation to all of the MP’s with the total Hindu

population in Britain. This should create a coherent set of data to evaluate how well represented the

Hindu population and potentially highlight an urgent need for more political involvement on a

national level.

Note: All population figures below are based on the 2001 census.


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Representation of Members of Parliament

As a proportion of the ethnic minority population

Population distribution of ethnic minorities

Distribution of ethnic minority MP’s

From the data above we can see that Hindus represent 13% of the ethnic minority population in

Britain, we are behind the black population who represent 26% and the Muslim population who

represent 37% but ahead of the Sikhs who only make up 8% of the ethnic minority population. In this

particular distribution of data, the Jewish community is of particular significance because their

presence dramatically skews the data. They represent 6% of the ethnic minority population however

the Jewish MP’s represent just under half of all ethnic minority MP’s, working out to be 24 of all 51

ethnic MP’s. Hence in terms of representation relative to ethnic minority MP’s, apart from the

Jewish community which is 8 times over represented, all other groups are underrepresented relative

to their population in the ethnic community. However, take the Jewish community out of the model;

13%

37%

8%

26%

6%10%

Hindu

Muslim

Sikh

Black

Jewish

Other

8%

18%

4%

18%

47%

6%Hindu

Muslim

Sikh

Black

Jewish

Other


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Hindu representation becomes on part with their population distribution. Hence qualitative data

suggests that Hindus are not effectively represented within the ethnic minorities in Parliament;

however this is partly due to the fact that the Jewish are so successful. This is a drawback of looking

at qualitative data because one anomaly can severely skew the data. Hence, although the

information above is true for the current situation, it should not be taken at face value as the

problem is not as bad as it seems from a Hindu perspective.


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As a proportion of the national population

Population distribution of ethnic minorities.

Distribution of ethnic minority MP’s

On a national level, the distribution of the ethnic minority population has evidently remained in

similar proportions but become diluted. However, the point of interest here is whether the

distribution of ethnic minority MP’s corresponds the same proportions as above? Now we can see

that there is a problem being faced by all ethnic minority communities as we all suffer from

underrepresentation on a national level in accordance to the size of our populations. On the other

hand, if we scratch beneath the surface, the data shows that the problem facing the Hindu

community is again not as severe as can be thought. It would take only 3 more Hindu MP’s to

balance the figures; however it would take 10 more Muslim MP’s to be elected in order to make

their population proportionately represented. Hence, if MP’s are a symbol of effective national

representation of Hindus, then our situation is not so serious. As it stands, it would take the election

of only 3 more Hindu MP’s to balance the figures. On the other hand, there is an argument that

there is still scope for improvement and this is evident in the success of the Jewish community. Their

1.06%

2.97%0.63%

2%

0.46% Hindu

Muslim

Sikh

Black

Jewish

0.60%

1.40%

0.30%

1.40%

3.70%

0.50% Hindu

Muslim

Sikh

Black

Jewish

Other


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representation in parliament is 8 times greater than their representation of the national community.

Despite having a population which is less than that of the Hindu community, the sheer number of

Jewish MP’s has given them more political influence than us. For example the leader of the Labour

Party, Ed Milliband and his brother, David Milliband are Jewish and the Conservative Friends of Israel

are thought to be the most powerful lobby group in Britain. Hence, there are lessons to be learnt on

how they encourage such levels of participation and activism; however the problem of under

representation in parliament is not an immediate problem for Hindus. It requires a fundamental

change in the way we organise ourselves, in order to be able to attain a political presence to match

the Jewish.


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Representation of Lords and Baronesses

Distribution of members as a percentage of all

ethnic minority members.

Distribution of ethnic minority members as a

percentage of all members.

There is a strong presence of Hindus in the House of Lords relative to other ethnic minority groups,

barring the Jewish group. There 46 Jewish Lords/ Baronesses, 14 Hindu, 9 Muslim members, but only

1 Sikh member. Although the members are not strictly representatives of the people, in proportion

to the population of Hindus in the ethnic and national community there is an “over representation”

in the lords. However, this is not too significant, because peers are not elected and therefore are by

no means representative of anybody. Yet this data is important because it highlights just how

important of a part Hindus pay in civil society and also their potential to play to a bigger role. Again,

in comparison to the Jewish community, if membership of the Lords can be seen as a symbol of

significant achievement in society then the Jewish are second to none. With the smallest ethnic

population they have the highest proportion members from the ethnic community. So, from the

17%

11%

1%

10%

55%

16%Hindu

Muslim

Sikh

Black

Jewish

Other

1.70%

1.10%

0.10%

1%5.40%

0.70%Hindu

Muslim

Sikh

Black

Jewish

Other


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Commons and the Lords they are exerting immense influence with figures such as Alan Sugar who is

also Jewish, this is further evidence that it is absolutely possible for Hindus to reach the level that

the Jewish have reached, we just lack the will and encouragement. We can say this because we have

the advantage of a larger population over the Jewish and we look to be academically bright,

however we evidently do not look beyond our personal and academic sphere to the extent that the

Jewish community do. In terms of the nature of the House of Lords, Lords and Baronesses are more

inclined to support specific Hindu causes because they cannot be removed from their position,

making them less cautious about their image. Hence, they would be more comfortable aligning with

matters of a sensitive nature. Also, members have earned their titles through lifelong work in a

certain field or through substantial activism and donations to certain parties; hence it can be

suggested that aspirations of previous generations did stretch beyond the individualism which has

struck the modern Hindu psyche. However, this is only relative to all but the Jewish groups, as in

comparison to them our older generation who are currently in politics do not size up well. It is up to

us to encourage our upcoming 1st and 2nd generation British Hindus to take lessons from the Jewish

and compete shoulder to shoulder.

This report does not focus too much on the House of Lords as we cannot, as an organisation

promote more Hindu members. However, we should realise that there is clearly the potential and

the ability in the Hindu community, if his ability and energy is put guided straight into politics we can

have as much of a presence in the elected institutions around Britain.


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Representation of Local Councillors

The data below was extracted from the LGA’s (Local Government Association) “National census of

local authority councillors 2008”. The census differentiated the different ethnicities (Indian,

Pakistani, Bangladeshi, etc), but not religions. We have inferred from the table below, what

percentages of councillors were Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Blacki, other.

45 % of Indian’s are Hindu

29% of Indian’s are Sikh

13% Of Indian’s are Muslim

92% Of Pakistani’s are Muslim

92% Of Bangladeshi’s are Muslim

It is very difficult to infer the data for the Jewish community due to the ‘over-representative’ nature

of their political engagement. Hence I could not apply national population figures of Jewish people

to work out Jewish councillors because judging by the data recorded for MP’s and Lords, such a

simplified model could not be applied to the Jewish group but it would be more representative for

the Hindu, Sikh and Muslim group. It is for this reason, the number of Jewish councillors have not

appeared in the data.

16%

31%

10%12%

31%

Hindu

Muslim

Sikh

Black

Other

Source: Office for National Statistics, Census

2001


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Distribution of local councillors as a percentage of ethnic minority councillors

Distribution of local councillors as a percentage of

all councillors

From the data above we can see that the Hindu councillors represent 16% of all ethnic minority

councillors, when we only represent 13% of the ethnic minority population. On a national level,

however, Hindu councillors represent approximately 0.5% of all councillors despite the fact that we

represent over 1% of the national population. As a consolation it must be noted that there is “under

representation” at a local level of all ethnic minority communities. Also, in areas where there is a

dense population of Hindus there may well be substantial representation, this would be not taken

into account when identifying numbers of certain councillors on a national level.

Hence, below is data from three of the most Hindu populated local authorities in Britain: Brent,

Harrow and Leicester.

Number of Hindu councillors

Percentage of all councillors in the Region

Population of Hindus in the region

Harrow 15 23% 19.60%

Leicester 7 13% 15%

Brent 11 17% 17%

0.50%

1.01%

0.30%0.40%

1%

Hindu

Muslim

Sikh

Black

Other


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Through looking at the data on a micro level and pinpointing the key regions of interest, we can see

that there is satisfactory representation. In Harrow Hindus represent nearly 20% of the total

population and accordingly they represent nearly 25% of the council. In Leicester, the political

presence is not as strong, but it is not too far behind, also the structure is different in Leicester as

they have an elected mayor and thus an inner cabinet of 8 members of which there is one Hindu

member. Hence on the face of it, on a local level there does not seem to be a serious concern of

representation. Looking at the two key areas it would be safe to say there is sufficient

representation present, however on a national level it is important to note that figures are not

completely representative and therefore more local level engagement is needed. I strongly believe

that Hindu councillors are much more beneficial to the Hindu community than MP’s and Lords are.

This is mainly because they are usually elected in a Hindu populated area; therefore have a greater

interest and understanding of local issues. It is at the local level where we need to engage and learn

how to tackle issues, if we are to see a shift on a national scale.


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Representation of London Assembly Members

Population distribution of ethnic minorities as a

percentage of the total population in London.

Percentage of ethnic minority assembly

members as a percentage of all members

As stated above, London is a particular area of interest for the purpose of this report because more

than half of the total Hindu population resides there. In the 25 man assembly there is 1 Hindu

member, which translates as 4% of the assembly. This is representative of the Hindu population in

London which stands at 4.10%. Also, within the boroughs of London, Brent and Harrow’s council’s

have also been highlighted as representative of the dense Hindu population which resides there.

Hence there is no immediate problem of lack of Hindu involvement in politics in London. However,

whether or not this satisfactory level of representation is being utilised effectively by the Hindu

community is an area which this report will explore further. Again, the “over representation” of the

Jewish group is present in London too, hence there will be things to take on board for us as we look

to explore how to improve our organisational capability and make the best use of our

representative. Not only this but it is always necessary to push for more, although the Black and

Muslim community are actually under – represented in London, we should align closer comparisons

4.10%

8.50%11%

2.10%

1.30%

Hindu

Muslim

Black

Jewish

Other

4%

4%

8%

8%

0% Hindu

Muslim

Black

Jewish

Others


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with the Jewish groups. Particularly because their successes are an exaggeration of our success for

example, economically, in educational, their voting turnout and civic responsibility, they seem to do

what we do to a better standard. Hence, we must learn and especially in the field of politics where

frankly, they are far more advance than we or any other minority group currently are.


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After analysing the current levels of Hindu representation is British politics, it would be safe to

conclude that there is no immediate concern in requiring more representatives. However, this is not

to say that engagement on a grass roots level is not necessary. The majority of Hindu politicians are

not 1st generation British born citizens; hence there is the concern of altered priorities and

aspirations of the younger generation. Careers in the medical and financial sectors are usually

preferred to careers such as in social work and politics, incentive being wealth and status. This is why

it will be interesting to see how levels of political representation compare in the next 10 to 20 years

when the 1st and 2nd generation Hindus will have had the time to make an impact. Personally, I

would predict that the assertiveness of the Muslim community and the economic success of the

Jewish community will see them bypass the levels of representation Hindus have. We should

therefore be strongly encouraging participation in local democracy, through Attending ward

meetings and even helping more Hindus to become councillors.

It may be the case that the major parties have recognised the passive nature of the Hindus in Britain

today who are happy to assimilate in society without making much noise. Hence whilst the

government looks to be embracing multiculturalism, it is the Muslim interests that are largely

promoted because of the impact the Muslim community has. It has a strong and assertive voice,

which we lack. The appointment of an unelected member of the cabinet, Baroness Warsi, a Muslim

peer in the House of Lords can be seen as the result of this voice. The Muslim community is

appeased somewhat by action, however we seem to enjoy patronising speeches by politicians to tell

us that we are great citizens and we are happy with just that. One of the outcomes of this report

must be a solution to this problem. There needs to be consistent voices from the Hindu community

across Britain that is active with their local councils and Members of Parliament, to ensure we are

not sidelined simply as an “ethnic minority”. This problem of political apathy or lack of interest is a

What is the issue?


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nationwide issue not necessarily restricted to any certain groups; however it is more important for

Hindus not to fall into this state of mind because without grass roots activism we will not have any

influence on a national level. This idea will be explores later in the report.

What we must recognise therefore, is that the urgent and immediate problem is not lack of

representation; it is the ineffective use of our representatives and the political institution in general.

In no way am I suggesting that Hindu values or beliefs need to be in cooperated into society etc, but

it is about having the influence and being in a position to pragmatically solves issues facing the

community.

There is further evidence that it is not even an issue about interest in politics, but about translating

the interest into activism. A study published in 2008 by the Hindu Councilii on voting patterns in the

Hindu and Sikh community concluded that Hindus and Sikhs are more likely to vote out of the

general population.

% of voters in 2001 general election

National Turnout 59.40%

Hindu Turnout 61.30%

Sikh Turnout 59.70%

Muslim Turnout 58.50%

Looking at the table we can see that Hindus are more inclined to vote than Muslims, Sikhs and the

national population as a whole. The report argues that the key reason behind the high turnout is the

educational and economic success and the strong family and community backing Hindus and Sikhs

enjoy. Hence, if there has been research done to back up a popular assumption that the Hindu

community is well education, well behaved, wealthy and strong on family values we should be

encouraging members to extend the scope of our positive influence in society. Again, we have much

to learn from the Jewish community. They have the highest proportion of self–employed individuals;

they are well educated, economically muscular and yet still have the structures and individuals that

Source: Reference ‘ii’


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are deeply engaged in politics. The fact that around 60% of school ages Jewish students attend

Jewish schoolsiii shows that there is a system in the Jewish group which encourages such levels of

aspirations; it is the community itself which is imbedding this mindset into the Jewish people. We as

a community lack such a system or unity to be able to expand our horizons beyond what we

currently aspire to. On a political front, we may not yet be able to achieve such a level of

organisation, however we can target certain members of the community to be strong

representatives and thus drive forward a Hindu voice. This is further evidence that we are too

satisfied with our private lives and do the bare minimum to satisfy our civic duty. We must compete

with the Jewish community, not for the sake of competition but to replicate the superb organisation

of their community and encourage people into politics and into positions of influencing policy. The

high voting turnout of Hindus should be only a foundation off which to build a system to increase the

consistency and volume of our voices. However, the Muslim community and its various

organisations such as the Muslim Council of Britain have demonstrated that voting is not enough,

but there needs to be dialogue at the highest level. The presence of a Muslim cabinet and shadow

cabinet minister can be seen as a result of pressure and activism, not just through voting.

I can make an interesting comparison from a personal experience which I have had. I spent a week in

and around Westminster looking to interview MP’s on their views on this issue from which I was

given a few days to work in Barry Gardiner MP’s office. However, the uncle I was staying this was

very much against everything that I was doing. He thought politics was not for Indian people, taking

a gap year to “extend my horizons” was wrong and he was adamant that I should just get a degree

and become an accountant or a pharmacist. According to him, it was “what we do” and I was stupid

to fight against it. Now, I understand where his views come from, it is very much a Hindu social

condition of ‘safety first’ and this is particularly damaging to our ability to be a dominant voice.

On the whole, this report safely concludes that the immediate issue facing Hindus in regards to

political participation, is how best to use our representatives. There is a need to create a platform of


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consistent Hindu voices who are dedicated to voicing Hindu opinions to MP’s. Not only will this

increase our confidence and somewhat create a nationwide presence, but it should pressure existing

Hindu MP’s to represent Hindu interests where it is necessary. There is no such system at present

and this is where we need to come in.

I am ending on the point that there are clearly a variety of issues which are facing the Hindu

community and we are too accustomed to complaining and constantly highlighting the problems.

Hence, this project needs to be focused on solutions and I will not deliberate too much on the

problems per say. The solution is a pragmatic approach to politics, whereby we are not acting in

reaction to issues but are being proactive and doing it because we feel it is necessary. The aim to

supplement this report is encourage people to have an opinion and then create a system whereby

people can channel this. Neither aims can work without the other, they become redundant.

i I appreciate that “Black” is not a religion, but the majority of the black community is Christian, however they are still an ethnic minority and Christianity is not a minority religion in Britain.


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ii “Electoral participation of Hindu and Sikh communities in England and Wales” – Edward Fieldhouse & David Cutts iii "The Future of Jewish Schools", p. 7

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Engaging Hindus In Politics