Car rally in UK to show solidarity with Modi in India elections 2024

LONDON on Sunday (17) witnessed people rooting for India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the general elections beginning next month in a car rally organised by Overseas Friends of BJP in the UK. 

The rally featuring 250 cars kicked off at the Kutch Leva Patidar Samaj Complex in Northolt and culminated at the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Neasden, a press release by the organisation said. 

The event included vibrant cultural performances to show 'unwavering support' for the BJP in the upcoming elections. People who took part in the rally were also holding both the Indian Tricolour and the BJP's party flag, the release added.

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At the Neasden temple where the rally concluded, the gathering of the pro-BJP enthusiasts was addressed by British parliamentarian Bob Blackman, who is also a recipient of one of India's to civilian awards -- Padma Shri.

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"The Indian election is the biggest exercise of democracy anywhere in the world. And I have a little prediction for you, a majority with 400-plus," the Conservative leader said.

He also spoke about the just concluded 14th round of negotiations between the UK and India for the free trade agreement that the two sides are desperately eyeing. He said the deal will be implemented soon.

Blackman also said that a Friendship Agreement has been signed between the two democracies to cater to the areas of defence and security. He also drew a parallel between the significance of the victories of the Modi government in India and the Rishi Sunak government in the UK, in ensuring that both the economies flourish with an even stronger partnership.

The UK is also expected to go to national elections later this year or early next year.

Blackman also praised Sunak while urging people, including the Indian community, to back him in his re-election bid.

Overseas Friends of BJP is a dynamic organisation committed to fostering camaraderie and support for the BJP among the Indian community in the UK.

The rally took place the same day India's election commission announced the schedule for the elections. They would kick off on April 19 and continue till June 1 in a seven-phase affair.

The results will be announced on June 4.

Modi and his BJP are looking for the third consecutive term in office after sweeping the elections of 2014 and 2019.

(With agency inputs)