‘Many Conservative values are mirrored in Hindu beliefs’

“Harrow East is beautifully diverse, housing someone from every religion, background and language across the world.

“I am enormously proud to represent such cultural diversity in the constituency, all these communities living alongside each other harmoniously.

“The Indian community is the significant backbone to Harrow, making up over 37 per cent of the population. During my time over the last 14 years as the MP, I have been overwhelmed by the warmth and generosity of people, welcoming me with open arms into their homes, lives and being reciprocated over in India, recently being awarded the prestigious Padma Shri.

“In return for the Indian community’s kindness, I have strived to represent and champion their ideology across parliament, ensuring that their views are heard and listened to.

“I am one of the few MPs to consistently stand up for India and Eastern Africa in the chamber, and I am proud to champion these causes through my work as the chairman to the All Party Parliamentary Groups for India, British Hindus, Indo-Pacific relations and UK-India trade.

“Prior to becoming an MP, I was leader of Brent Council where I was responsible for granting planning permission to the development of the Neasden Mandir Temple and the Ealing Road Temple. Further, I was responsible for giving evidence at the planning inquiry to support the much-needed Hindu crematorium in Denham. The site represents great importance to the whole Hindu community and so is a major accomplishment.

“I have also been lucky enough to visit India 14 times since becoming an MP, spanning 14 of the great states to witness first-hand the beauty and rich culture which flourishes throughout. As a great friend to prime minister [Narendra] Modi, I was delighted to welcome him to Wembley and parliament during his UK visit back in 2016.

“I hope to be re-elected in the coming general election to continue my work for the Indian community, championing and protecting their heritage both on a local and national level.

“Many of the Conservative values are mirrored in Hindu beliefs – the importance of the family, hard work, education and enterprise – and thus it is the only party that can be trusted to deliver for the community. I have actively supported both the Hindu and Jain manifestos and will actively promote them in parliament if I am re-elected.

“It was a pleasure to recently welcome the first-ever Hindu prime minister, Rishi Sunak, to Kenton Temple to celebrate aarti with many members of the community. His premiership serves as a huge inspiration to people, showing that regardless of your race or religion, hard work pays off.”

(Bob Blackman is the Conservative parliamentary candidate for Harrow East)