UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak recently visited a Hindu temple in London to seek blessings ahead of crucial elections that could potentially end the 14-year rule of his Conservative Party. With the elections looming, Sunak’s party faces a tough battle, and he used this moment to reflect on his faith and its influence on his public life.
During his visit to the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir on Saturday, Sunak was accompanied by his wife, Akshata Murty. He spoke warmly about how his Hindu faith serves as a source of both inspiration and solace. Addressing the temple’s attendees, Sunak shared, “As a Hindu, my faith is a wellspring of both inspiration and comfort to me. It was with great pride that I took my parliamentary oath on the Bhagavad Gita.”
Sunak emphasized how the principle of Dharma, which guides him to perform his duties without concern for the outcomes, shapes his approach to public service. “Our religion instructs us to perform our duties without concern for the results, providing we serve faithfully. This principle, instilled in me by my devoted parents, is what I strive to embody in my life and impart to my growing daughters,” he expressed.
The visit was not only about serious reflections. Sunak also engaged in lighthearted conversations with the audience. A priest humorously noted that Sunak’s achievements have raised community expectations, suggesting it’s no longer enough to aspire to be a doctor, lawyer, or accountant. Sunak responded with humor, “If my parents were here, they’d likely agree they’d rather I had pursued one of those professions,” which brought laughter from the crowd.
In addition to discussing his faith and duties, Sunak also chatted with the attendees about the recent T20 Cricket World Cup. The crowd joyfully discussed India’s victory over South Africa, adding a touch of sports enthusiasm to the gathering.
The visit comes at a critical time for Sunak and his Conservative Party. With Britain set for a snap election next week, the party is trailing by 20 points behind Keir Starmer’s Labour Party in the polls. The predictions indicate a significant loss for the Conservatives, potentially leading to a historic victory for Labour. Sunak himself is at risk of losing his own seat, adding to the high stakes of the upcoming election.
As the election approaches, Sunak’s visit to the temple underscores the importance of his faith in navigating challenging times. His reflections on Dharma and his commitment to public service offer a glimpse into how his beliefs guide his actions and decisions. The outcome of the election remains uncertain, but Sunak’s words and actions highlight his dedication to his principles and his hope for divine guidance in the days ahead.
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