UK’s Hindu community cool to May 6 elections

Labour is marginally in the lead (27 per cent),with the Conservatives (25 per cent) followed by the Lib Dems (21 per cent).

However,with 21 per cent still undecided and with the prospects of a hung parliament,the Hindu vote could be crucial in some constituencies,the HFB said.

Bharti Tailor,HFB general secretary,said: “It is very disappointing that so many Hindus have already decided not to vote.

“In the current political environment their vote could be pivotal in some marginal seats,so I would urge them to make their vote count”.

She added: “The research also sends a warning to whoever comes to power,that they must actively engage with faith groups. Too many in the Hindu community feel that politicians and decision-makers are failing to address many of their concerns,despite being the third largest faith group in the UK.”

The HFB said a possible reason for the general sense of apathy was that only 12 per cent of those polled believed that the major political parties proactively consulted or engaged with faith groups.

As many as 39 per cent of Hindus said they would base their voting decision on the candidates’ views,while over a quarter (28 per cent) would listen to the views of local community elders,those within the local temple or their local guru.

Some 11 per cent would be influenced by friends and family.

Asked who would make the best Prime Minister,Gordon Brown came top,closely followed by David Cameron (Conservative leader) and Nick Clegg (Liberal Democrats leader).

According to HFB,the Hindu community in Britain numbers well over 750,000. They are dispersed throughout the UK with sizeable concentrations in certain areas like the suburbs of London and the south east; Leicester,the West Midlands,Greater Manchester and Yorkshire.