British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty visited London’s iconic BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, popularly known as Neasden Temple on the last weekend of the general election campaign on Saturday. The couple was greeted with loud cheers as their convoy entered the grand temple grounds where they performed puja guided by the priests.
They took a tour of the grand temple complex and interacted with volunteers and community leaders. Sunak, a cricket fan, began his address to the congregation with a reference to India’s victory in the T20 World Cup before he spoke about the inspiration he draws from faith, reported PTI.
“I am Hindu and like all of you, I draw inspiration and comfort from my faith,” he said during his address.
It was a pleasure to welcome @RishiSunak and Akshata Murty to #NeasdenTemple today. pic.twitter.com/EEOC9SXccE
— Neasden Temple (@NeasdenTemple) June 29, 2024
“I was proud to be sworn in as a member of parliament on the ‘Bhagavad Gita’. Our faith teaches us to do our duty and not fret about the outcome as long as one does it faithfully,” he added.
“That is what I was brought up to believe by my wonderful and loving parents and that is how I live my life; and that is what I want to pass on to my daughters as they grow up,” Sunak said.
The UK PM said it was dharma which guided him in his approach to public service.
In a post shared by the Neasden Temple on social media platform X, the couple posed before the camera. The couple met with the devotees in the temple and Sunak struck a pose with priests.
The United Kingdom will go to polls on July 4 where PM Sunak’s Conservative Party is seeking a return bit faces a formidable challenge from the Labour party.
