More than 250 vehicles attended the rally, showcasing widespread support for the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi
London:
The Overseas Friends of the BJP organized a car rally in London to show “unwavering support” for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the ruling party at the Center ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.
The rally started from Kutch Leva Patidar Samaj Complex in Northolt and culminated at BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Nidan.
According to a press release issued by the Friends of the Bharatiya Janata Party Abroad, the rally kicked off with vibrant cultural performances, setting the stage for a dynamic showcase of unity and enthusiasm.
#watch | UK: Friends of the British People’s Party Overseas organized a lively car rally in London dedicated to showcasing their support for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party in the upcoming elections. The rally started from Kutch Leva Patidar Samaj Complex… pic.twitter.com/KAhelofEiq
— ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2024
More than 250 vehicles attended the rally, demonstrating widespread support for the Bharatiya Janata Party and Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of India’s general election.
Members of the British community who attended the rally were photographed holding the Indian tricolor and the Bharatiya Janata Party flag, the release added.
The rally was also attended by British MP and Padma Shri recipient Bob Blackman, who paid tribute to India after the car rally culminated at the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in London. Community members spoke. He highlighted the importance of this event and the critical role of the Indian community in shaping the future of the motherland.
In support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP, the event was organized on the day when the Election Commission (EC) notified the Lok Sabha election date.
Describing India’s upcoming general election as the “biggest exercise in democracy”, Blackman said: “Obviously, the Indian election is a massive election. It’s the biggest exercise in democracy in the world. I have a small opinion about the Indian election. Prediction.” You, account for the majority of more than 400 people. The friendship between India and the UK has grown stronger since we came into government and the Bharatiya Janata Party came to power in India. “
The UK views India as a “rapidly growing economy”, he said, adding that New Delhi and London were negotiating a free trade agreement and had signed a friendship agreement on defense and security cooperation.
“The old colonial days are behind us. We now see India as a great growth economy and one that has grown thanks to the recognition of the BJP government. So we are still working hard in the UK and our Indian friends to negotiate a free trade agreement. Do you remember what Boris Johnson promised on Diwali? He didn’t say what year it was. We have just now entered into the 14th round of trade negotiations. So, there is further work to be done,” Mr Blackman said.
“But we did have a friendship agreement with India on defense, security cooperation and, in effect, that also led to a free trade agreement. Now that will bring huge opportunities to India and the UK. So both countries face a big The stakes are high.” “But if we can do that, the opportunity for growth is huge,” he added.
Talking about the booming Indian economy, he said: “The Indian economy is becoming number one in the world. Of course, this is driven by India’s current growth. It is still growing. Our economy, although depressed, is growing, which is good news. So, what we have to do is make sure that happens. So the re-election of the BJP government is important (for the British economy to recover and grow). So you (the community) are playing a vital role in ensuring that Narendra Modi remains the Prime Minister and that the BJP still governs The government side plays an important role.”
The Conservative MP for Harrow East also praised Prime Minister Rishi Sunak while urging people, including the Indian community, to support his re-election at the polls.
“Now, we in India not only have a great government but we also have a great Prime Minister of India (Sunak). So we need all of you to help us ensure that Rishi remains Prime Minister after the election. In fact, I need you Everyone made sure that I remained an MP and as one or two people kindly said, I was the most pro-India MP in Parliament. So without me you would have lost your voice in Parliament,” Blackman said .
Friends of the Bharatiya Janata Party Abroad UK is a dynamic organization dedicated to fostering camaraderie and support for the Bharatiya Janata Party among the Indian community in the UK.
Earlier on Saturday, the Electoral Commission announced that the general election will be held in seven phases, with the first phase to be held on April 19. Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar informed that counting of votes is scheduled to take place on June 4.
The last date for submission of nominations for the first phase of polls is March 27, the Election Commission informed, adding that the first phase of the Lok Sabha polls will be held in 21 states and Union Territories.
The second phase of elections will be held on April 26 and the last date for filing nominations has been set on April 4. The second phase will cover 12 states and Union Territories.
The election watchdog said the third phase of voting will be held on May 7, adding that nominations can be submitted until April 19.
The third phase of voting will cover 12 states and federal territories. The fourth phase of elections will be held on May 13, with the last date for candidates to submit nominations set on April 25.
The fourth phase of voting will be held in 10 states and union territories. The fifth phase is scheduled for May 20 and the last date for candidates to submit nomination papers is May 3. Voting in this phase will cover 8 states and federal territories.
The last two phases of elections are scheduled to be held on May 25 and June 1 respectively, the poll panel said, adding that the last dates for filing nominations for these phases are May 6 and May 14.
The sixth phase will cover 7 states and union territories, while the final phase will see polls in 8 states and union territories.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
