Why are 10 lakh Hindus in Britain angry, what are their demands from the parties contesting the elections?

British Hindus issued a manifesto of demands: Elections are to be held in Britain on July 4. Even before this, Hindus in Britain have released a manifesto outlining their demands for the future government. For the first time, Hindus in Britain have expressed their aspirations through a 32-page manifesto. This draft released by Hindus for Democracy includes prevention of hatred against Hindus and protection of temples.

'Hindus for Democracy' is a group of 15 Hindu organisations, including BAPS Swaminarayan Institute, Chinmaya Mission, UK chapter of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), Hindu Council UK, Hindu Forum of Britain, Hindu Temple Network UK, National Council of Hindu Temples and ISKCON UK. So far, four Conservative Party candidates Bob Blackman, Robert Buckland, Raheesh Singh and Teresa Villiers have endorsed the manifesto. Sharing its demands on X (formerly Twitter), the group said it sought 'seven promises' from the incoming government.

Large Hindu population in Britain

There are more than 1 million Hindus in Britain. According to the 2021 census, the number of Hindus in England and Wales is 1,032775. This is 1.7 percent of the total population. Hinduism is the third largest religion in Britain. It is the third religion after Christianity and Islam. According to the census, most Hindus live in Greater London and the South East. The three other countries of the United Kingdom have a Hindu population of less than 50,000. Hindus began to settle in the United Kingdom from the beginning of the 19th century. This was the time when India was part of the British Empire.

What is in the 'Hindu Manifesto'?

• Recognise anti-Hindu hatred as a religious hate crime and punish those involved
• Protecting Hindu shrines and temples
• Establishing Hindu schools and introducing 'fair education' by involving 'experts' from the community in designing the curriculum
• Increase the representation of Hindus in political parties and other public bodies
• Policies on visa issues for Hindu priests simplified
• involving Hindus in social services and 'assisting in the care of the elderly and the disabled' and Protection of the 'Dharmik Path'

What else is in the manifesto?

The 'manifesto' asked MPs to consult Hindu organisations before legislating on issues affecting Hindus in Britain. It advocated for a memorial to Hindu soldiers who served in Britain and demanded that more cemeteries be built and the coroner's process be expedited to allow Hindu cremation within three days of death. The manifesto also asked candidates to recognise that the connection of British Hindus to India is primarily spiritual rather than political, and asked candidates to 'understand the religious way of life'.