Historic Win for Conservatives as Shivani Raja Takes Leicester East in UK, Swears Oath on Bhagavad Gita

Shivani Raja
Jul 11, 2024
Shivani Raja

Shivani Raja has become the first Conservative MP to claim victory in Leicester East in 37 years, marking a significant political shift in the constituency. On July 10, the 29-year-old Indian-origin leader took her oath of office, pledging allegiance to the UK Parliament on the sacred Bhagavad Gita, a symbolic gesture that underscored her cultural heritage and values.

The oath-taking ceremony, held amidst a predominantly Labour Parliament, was a momentous occasion. Raja, standing out in the sea of MPs, solemnly swore her allegiance on the Bhagavad Gita, a revered Hindu scripture. This act resonated deeply with many, highlighting the rich diversity within the UK Parliament.

Raja's triumph is notable, having defeated Labour's Rajesh Agrawal, the former Deputy Mayor of London, by a margin of 4,426 votes. Her victory signifies a remarkable change in Leicester East, a constituency that had been a Labour stronghold for nearly four decades.

Born to Gujarati parents who migrated from Kenya and India to Leicester in the late 1970s, Raja pursued her education at De Montfort University, graduating in Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Science. She later built a successful career in the cosmetics industry.

This election also saw 27 other Indian-origin MPs elected to the House of Commons, reflecting the increasing diversity in UK politics. Furthermore, a record number of women, 263 out of 650, were elected, alongside 90 lawmakers of colour.

In a post on social media platform X, Raja expressed her pride: "It was an honour to be sworn into Parliament today to represent Leicester East. I was truly proud to swear my allegiance to His Majesty King Charles on the Gita." Her choice to use the Bhagavad Gita for her oath was met with widespread acclaim, symbolising a deep connection to her roots.

Raja's victory is the only Conservative gain in the 2024 general election, highlighting the challenges ahead for the party. Nonetheless, her win signifies a new era of representation and diversity in Leicester East.

The recent elections resulted in the Labour Party securing 411 seats, the Conservatives with 121, the Liberal Democrats with 72, and the Scottish National Party with nine. In Northern Ireland, Sinn Fein won seven seats, and the Democratic Unionist Party secured five.

Shivani’s success not only breaks Labour's hold on Leicester East but also symbolises a new era of representation and diversity in the UK Parliament.

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