NRIs in UK locked in racism row

The local council in Harrow is witness to a bizarre duel involving two NRIs.

The local council in Harrow is witness to a bizarre duel involving two councillors of Indian origin — one accusing the other of being racist.

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One of Harrow's three Gujarati councillors has branded the deputy leader of the council, councillor Sanjay Dighe, a "racist" and demanded his resignation. Conservative councillor Manji Kara (Belmont ward) reacted angrily to a suggestion by Dighe that other Asian councillors should put race before politics when voting.

In a letter to Asian Voice newspaper, Dighe criticised Gujarati Tories for failing to back the leader of the council, councillor Navin Shah's bid to win a seat on the Association of London Government's committee because, like them, he is Asian.

An incensed Kara said: "I cannot come to terms with the comments which border on the lowest form of racism.

"Demanding a person's vote based on his race without respecting their political and personal views is not the done thing in a democracy."

Denouncing Dighe as "racist", Kara went on to demand his resignation.

"He renders himself unfit to be deputy leader of a council, which has so far demonstrated itself to be tolerant, understanding and multiracial," he said.

"We do not have a place for racists in Harrow. I demand that he resign from the prestigious post of deputy leader which he has tarnished."