Shockat Adam Patel, an Indian-origin independent candidate, secured a seat as Member of Parliament (MP) for Leicester South, UK, on Friday, July 5th, campaigning on a pro-Hamas platform. He defeated Labour Party’s Jon Ashworth by 979 votes, declaring the victory as a triumph for the people of Gaza.
However, Shockat’s ties to the radical Islamic organization ‘Muslim Engagement and Development’ (MEND) have raised concerns. MEND has been criticized for providing a platform to extremists and promoting divisive ideologies, including anti-Semitic sentiments and support for terrorists.
During the 2022 Leicester violence, Shockat attempted to justify the actions of radical Muslims, attributing their violence to perceived provocations. His statements, including baseless claims about organisations standing for the rights of Hindus, sparked controversy and were debunked by local authorities.
Moreover, Shockat has been accused of spreading anti-India propaganda through MEND, organizing webinars to denigrate India’s image internationally. His association with radicals like Majid Freeman, known for inciting communal tensions, further complicates his political stance.
Shockat’s election highlights broader concerns about the intersection of radical ideologies and political representation in the UK, prompting scrutiny and debate among local communities and political observers alike.
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