India is my Janam Bhoomi, the place I used to be born, and London is my Karam Bhoomi: Tarun Ghulati (File)

London:

The election for the Mayor of London is scheduled for May 2 and the battleground of candidates difficult the incumbent, Sadiq Khan, is progressively increasing with two Indian-origin entrepreneurs within the race as unbiased candidates.

While businessman Tarun Ghulati, 63, launched his mayoral marketing campaign throughout a go to to India on the finish of final yr, property entrepreneur Shyam Bhatia, 62, is the most recent entrant to the competition making up almost a dozen candidates. Tarun Ghulati’s election tagline is “trust and growth” and Batra has gone for “ambassador of hope”.

“There is a growing belief that the current incumbent has lost support and another major party contender is considered very uninspiring by the voters,” Tarun Ghulati informed PTI.

“I am standing as an independent candidate to become the next Mayor of London because I want to encourage the free flow of ideas and policies without party ideology and bias. I am getting ideas from the people and will accordingly work for the people involving them where feasible in the decision-making process,” he mentioned.

Making London protected for all, getting London shifting once more, leveling up for Londoners, strengthening London’s communities, and championing London is among the many high priorities for town the Delhi-born strategic advisor has known as dwelling for over 20 years.

“London is ranked the best city in the world and is a proud global city. As Mayor of London, I am determined to do whatever it takes to ensure that London, my chosen home, retains its place as the leading global city and that all Londoners feel safe, secure, and empowered with opportunities for growth,” he mentioned.

Asked about his determination to launch his mayoral marketing campaign in India, he added: “India is my Janam Bhoomi, where I was born, and London is my Karam Bhoomi, where I do my work. It was very important for me to get the blessings of elders, parents, family, and well-wishers. That is why I chose to kickstart and launch my campaign for Mayor of London in India.” With a former secretary within the authorities of India father, Tarun Ghulati shares one thing in widespread with the opposite Indian-origin candidate within the race whose father additionally served within the Indian authorities.

“I am deeply troubled by the current state of the city. It saddens me to witness residents being taken advantage of and victimised by a defunct policy system. I am fully committed to devoting my energy and passion to this cause,” mentioned UK-born Batra.

As founding father of a “private bespoke financial business” geared in the direction of inexpensive property possession and frugal enterprise decisions, the British Indian property businessman feels he has the proper credentials to beat the hurdles to take cost of operating the UK capital.

“I understand that the road ahead will be challenging, with days and nights filled with overwhelming obstacles. It is precisely these difficulties that we must overcome to regain and restore our city to its rightful place,” he mentioned.

The official nominations for these contesting the Mayor of London elections happen in March, at which level they need to current their requisite assist base by means of signatures and deposit. The closing listing of candidates shall be introduced on April 2, a month earlier than the election.

Besides the 2 British Indians, these declaring their intention to date to problem Labour Party’s Sadiq Khan from successful a 3rd four-year time period within the put up embody Susan Hall (Conservative Party); Rob Blackie (Liberal Democrats); Howard Cox (Reform UK); Zoe Garbett (Green Party); Natalie Campbell (unbiased); Amy Gallagher (unbiased); Rayhan Haque (unbiased); and Andreas Michli (unbiased).

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