ANTI-Hindu hate crime, school standards, the absence of Hindu lessons in GCSE classes, pensions for Gurkhas, and protection for temples were among the key topics discussed at an election husting for MP candidates in Basingstoke.
The 'Hindu Husting' event took place at Carnival Hall, in Council Road, on Thursday, June 13, moderated by Ashutosh Pandey.
The event featured Conservative candidate and former MP Maria Miller, Labour's Luke Murphy, Lib Dems' Richard Whelan, Green candidate Michael Howard-Sorrell, and Hampshire Independents' Alan Stone. Reform UK candidate Raymond Saint did not attend.
The husting started with two-minute opening statements from each candidate, followed by audience questions. They were also asked whether they support the Hindu manifesto published this week.
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Dame Maria began her opening remark by congratulating Hindu Society members on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s re-election.
She sought to establish a personal connection with the Indian audience by highlighting the values of hard work, sacrifice, and ambition.
“I live in a three-generation home with my mum," she said.
"Education is my top priority. I went to the local state school and then to one of the best universities in the world – London School of Economics. I’m proud that in Basingstoke, 90 per cent of our schools are good or outstanding, up from just half at the time of the last Labour government. I have been married for 34 years to the same person, with whom I have three amazing children."
Mr Murphy did not specifically try to please Hindu sentiments, but highlighted the need for change in Basingstoke.
He acknowledged the contributions of the Hindu community, saying: "I'm proud of the diversity of Basingstoke. It is one of our many strengths.
"But I don't think the town and the people here are realising their potential. Wherever I go and whoever I speak to – community groups, schools, and residents – feel that potential is not tapped. I want to make sure that changes because we represent change.
"We support many of the aspirations and principles in the manifesto. I don’t want to give false promises, but we are very supportive of the manifesto.”
Mr Howard-Sorrell, who has lived in Basingstoke for seven years and served as a councillor for three years, positioned himself as the “local choice".
“Most of these candidates don’t live here and don’t have a connection to the town. Alan Stone is an exception; he is part of the furniture," he joked.
"I do support the Hindu manifesto and endorse it fully. If I can help the Indian community across the country and especially in Basingstoke, then I will do so.”
Alan Stone, who runs a shop in Top of Town, is the only other candidate, besides Dame Maria, who is standing again for election in Basingstoke.
He also tried to strike a chord of "local person".
“I went to school here, I went to college here, but it doesn't mean I will win this election," he said, to the surprise of the audience.
"One of the two main parties is going to win; none of us else stands a chance. But I think the two main parties are causing big problems in this country. One of them is taxing us too much and taking money from our pockets and not giving us the choice on how to spend it.
"The other party is planning even more tax hikes. A lot of my friends are looking to relocate their business offshore. Not because they want to leave this country, not because they want to pay tax elsewhere, but they are being strained in this country.”
Richard Whelan emphasised the Liberal Democrats' vision, saying: "Liberal Democrats have a very clear idea of what this country needs. We will support the community and we want to make a change in this country.”
During the question-and-answer session, candidates were questioned on issues such as temple protection, recognising Hinduphobia as a hate crime, including Hinduism in the GCSE curriculum, and the mistreatment of legal immigrants.
The candidates also discussed the standard of schools in Basingstoke, responding to concerns from the audience about the lack of grammar schools in the town.
Dame Maria nodded in agreement with some of the points made by the Green candidate, but she was seen shaking her head throughout when the Labour's candidate was speaking.
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She criticised Labour's proposed policies, while Mr Murphy focused on Labour's plans if they came to power.
Most candidates exceeded their time limits, extending the debate beyond the allotted two hours.
The event concluded with each candidate delivering a one-minute closing remark, urging the Hindu community to vote for them.
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