The Hindu Forum of Britain (HFB) has urged Hindus get out and vote on Election Day on 5th May 2005 or risk another term of Government and decision-makers ignoring their concerns. The HFB and Operation Black Vote (OBV) want to mobilise Hindu voters into exercising their right to vote particularly in constituencies where the Hindu vote is larger than the sitting MP’s majority. According to an exit poll conducted by HFB member, the Hindu Council of Brent, only 17 per cent of Hindus cast their votes in Brent during the last election.

If the balance of 83 per cent had voted, they could have formed a significant component of the electorate who could have influenced the outcome. The HFB fears that if felt nationally, the sense of disenfranchisement could lead to a significant number of Hindus deciding not to exercise their vote.

Though dispersed throughout the UK, sizeable numbers of Hindus are concentrated in areas such as Harrow, Brent, Leicester and Newham; additionally, at least 24 other local authorities also have significant Hindu populations. OBV has identified 10 constituencies were the Hindu vote would have a significant impact on the General Election.

A recent OBV report shows how faith groups have a critical impact on many constituencies around the country. It highlights areas where the Hindu electorate is far greater than the MP’s majority, and for many MPs, in the current climate this could prove to be very critical.

Ramesh Kallidai, Secretary General of the Hindu Forum of Britain said: “Although many Hindus in the community have become very marginalised and feel that their vote does not mean much, this is certainly not the case. In fact in some areas their vote is vital especially, if they want their concerns to be addressed.

“We are not asking for Hindus to vote for any specific party, it’s their decision to vote for a party that they feel best addresses their concerns and meets their expectations but I urge them to cast a vote and not to waste this opportunity.”

Simon Woolley Director of Operation Black Vote stated: ”In many areas across the country the Hindu vote holds the balance of power. I hope that they use this power to address the inequalities in Education, health and political representation.”

WHERE COULD THE HINDU VOTE HAVE A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT

The Brief Constituency outline provided by Operation Black Vote (below) shows where the Hindu electorate could have a significant impact and ironically most of these are currently Labour held with strong, portfolio-holding candidates like Patricia Hewitt. In the constituency of Brent South, Paul Boateng's departure to become Britain's Ambassador the South Africa leaves the field open for Rishi Saha (C) to challenge Labour's BME candidate Dawn Slater. Yasmin Qureshi (Labour) will be challenging Sarah Teather's slimmer Liberal Democrat majority in Brent East. However in the remaining constituencies, it will be difficult to unseat Labour candidates like Tony McNulty, Barry Gardiner, Stephen Timms and Stephen Pound who are as popular with the Asian Community as their Hindu challengers.

ABOUT THE HINDU FORUM OF BRITAIN

The Hindu Forum of Britain is the largest umbrella body with a broad-based membership of over 240 Hindu organisations from different regions and cultural backgrounds in Britain. At the core of the Forum’s activities is a strong belief in the richness and diversity of the Hindu culture, its value system that encompasses respect for all beings and faiths, and a cultural heritage that facilitates community cohesion and coexistence.

Further information can be found at www.hinduforum.org.