On October 24, local time, former British Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak (Rishi Sunak), as the only candidate, was automatically elected the leader of the British Conservative Party, and the United Kingdom ushered in the third prime minister this year. It is worth mentioning that Sunak is also the first Indian prime minister in British history, and the first non-white prime minister.
On the same day, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted "warm congratulations" on Sunak's election and sent blessings to all Indians in the UK for Diwali, an Indian religious holiday. In the message area of Modi's tweets and even on Twitter, many Indian netizens are hotly discussing Sunak's becoming the British prime minister.
Some netizens are concerned about Sunak's devout Hindu, while others use Sunak's election as British prime minister to remind Indian politicians that minorities should be respected. However, some people are concerned about the former relationship between India and Britain, some people once again ask the British royal family to return the "Koh-i-Noor" diamond from India in the crown, and some people put together photos of Mountbatten and Sunak, the last governor of British India, to compare and even ridicule the "role exchange" between India and Britain.
Sunak takes a group photo with members of the Conservative Party's "1922 Committee" after winning the election Photo from Sky News
On the 24th, Modi tweeted: "Congratulations to Rishi Sunak the warmest! As you become Prime Minister, I look forward to working closely with you on global issues to implement the Roadmap 2030. Special Diwali (Indian religious holiday) wishes to Indians in the UK as we transform a historic relationship into a modern partnership. ”
Image from Twitter The same below
Sunak was born in Southampton, England, in 1980 to Indian immigrants born in East Africa. Sunak began his political career in 2015 when he was elected Member of Parliament and became Chancellor of the Exchequer in February 2020, becoming the youngest owner in the history of the Chancellor's official residence at 11 Downing Street.
Today, Sunak has made a double history of Britain and India as Prime Minister of British descent, becoming the first British Prime Minister of Indian descent and the first non-white Prime Minister in British history.
Sunak is a devout Hindu who goes to Hindu temples every weekend. In November 2020, Sunak became the first minister to light candles outside the official residence at 11 Downing Street to celebrate Diwali; Last year, then-Chancellor of the Exchequer Sunak also issued a special collector's coin during Diwali to commemorate the life and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, leader of India's independence movement.
In 2020, Sunak was photographed by the BBC lighting candles outside the official residence at 11 Downing Street to celebrate Diwali
It is worth mentioning that in the comment area of Modi's congratulatory tweet, a large number of Indian netizens left messages. Many, like the Indian netizen, posted photos of Sunak's past beliefs and participation in Hinduism-related events, with others stressing that "Sunak is a proud Hindu."
"Proudly say that we are Hindus. Congratulations to Mr. Sunak. ”
"For all Indians in the UK, a prime minister with Indian roots, this is actually the biggest Diwali gift. Congratulations and blessings to Sunak as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. ”
"Without a single shot, Europe is coming towards us."
Some Indian netizens have once again brought up the old matter, demanding that the British royal family return the famous diamond set in a crown, the 105.6 carat "Koh-i-Noor". It is reported that this huge diamond was produced in India and fell into the hands of the British royal family in 1849 through the hands of many rulers, including Mughal emperors and rulers of the Punjab region.
One person tweeted an image of the crown and wrote: "Our priority is to bring back our Mountain of Light diamonds." Come on Sunak. ”
"How has the situation changed..." one netizen lamented, posting a comparison photo of Louis Mountbatten, commander-in-chief of the Allied forces in Southeast Asia during World War II and British Admiral Louis Mountbatten and Sunak, noting that Mountbatten was the last governor of British India, and now Sunak, who is of Indian descent, has become the British prime minister.
In the comment section of this group of comparison pictures, one netizen left a message "pouring cold water": "Sunak was born in Southampton, England, and his parents are from Kenya. The color of a person's skin does not define his nationality or culture. ”
Still, some say that while Sunak is not an Indian citizen and his election as British prime minister is not a victory for India, he does have deep ties to India. In fact, in addition to his own Indian origin, he is the son-in-law of N.R. Narayana Murthy, co-founder of Infosys, a world-renowned Indian conglomerate.
On Twitter, some netizens also hoped that India would learn something from Sunak's emergence as Britain's prime minister, such as respect for minorities.
Supporters of India's opposition Congress party "made trouble," saying Sunak's experience had taught the BJP, which has repeatedly attacked Congress leader Sonia Gandhi as a "foreigner." According to public information, Sonia Gandhi was born in Italy, but automatically lost her Italian citizenship when she naturalized in India in 1983, when Italy did not support dual citizenship.
Hypocrisy – Sunak: Born in England, born to African parents, never held an Indian passport. However, some are proud to have a British prime minister of "Indian origin". Sonia Gandhi: Married in India, has lived in India for more than 55 years, holds an Indian passport. However, people call her a "foreigner".
Barnie Choudhury, staff editor of Eastern Eye, said Sunak's victory was "an important moment" for the South Asian community.
"South Asians who want to enter politics will see role models like Sunak, who can only be a good thing for people of color to become prime minister." But Chowdhury also warned that Sunak could face intense scrutiny because British society treats "coloured people to a higher standard than whites" and Sunak could face accusations of "privilege."
At about 2 p.m. local time on October 24, due to the last minute announcement of his withdrawal from the election by Penny Mordaunt, the leader of the Conservative Party in the British House of Commons, Sunak was elected the leader of the Conservative Party and will become the new prime minister of the United Kingdom.
On the same day, the British Prime Minister's Office issued a message briefly introducing the procedures for the handover of the British Prime Minister. The current Prime Minister Truss will deliver a speech in Downing Street on the morning of the 25th local time, and then go to Buckingham Palace to meet with King Charles III of the United Kingdom. Thereafter, Sunak will travel to Buckingham Palace to meet with Charles III, who, after accepting his appointment, will officially become Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. He will also give a brief speech upon his return to Downing Street.
This article is an exclusive contribution of Observer.com and may not be reprinted without authorization.