
Diversity among India’s leadership is significant
By Balbir Punj
The appointment of Indian-origin politician Rishi Sunak as the British Prime Minister (PM) last month was celebrated by Indians at home and abroad. But it also sparked a raft of rancour- bordering on self-flagellation - whether a similar event could happen in India, especially the appointment of a Muslim as PM.
Former Union minister P Chidambaram said the British example was a template worthy of emulation. “First Kamala Harris, now Rishi Sunak…. I think there is a lesson to be learned by India,” he wrote. “As we Indians celebrate the ascent of Rishi Sunak let's honestly ask: Can it happen here?” asked Congress leader Shashi Tharoor.
But it is important to remember that Sunak got the top job because the Conservative Members of Parliament (MPs) saw in him a thoroughb...