UK elections: Here's how political parties tried to woo Indian voters

With one of the most unpredictable elections in UK history happening on Thursday, the political parties have done all they could to woo the Indian-origin voters in the United Kingdom.

From roping in Bollywood actors, visiting temples and gurudwaras to going the Modi-way with catchy Hindi slogans like 'Phir ek baar Cameron sarkaar', the party leaders have left no stone unturned to please the Indian voters.

Indians comprise of the largest migrant group in the UK with an estimated number of 1.5 million Indian voters owing their Commonwealth citizenship, and can turn out to be a deciding factor in this election.

The Conservative Party leader and the current UK Prime Minister David Cameron has made it very clear that he is highly banking on the Indian voters this election. From his initial campaigning days he has been seen paying visits to gurudwaras, where he has made chapatis and participated in 'langars'. Cameron there discussed the issues faced by the Sikh community in the country.

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The Conservative leader was also seen paying obeisance in a major Hindu temple 'Neasden' in London just days before the election day.

David Cameron participates in a Abhishek ceremony as he visits the Neasden Hindu Temple.     AFP PHOTO

Adding a touch of entertainment to the whole election scenario, Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan was called in by one of Britain’s Indian origin MPs, Keith Vaz, who attracted large crowds in his constituency of Leicester recently. However, according to reports, he was condemned for 'cheapening' the campaigns by garnering votes like this.

The major Opposition Labour leader Ed Miliband has also tried his best to lure the Indian voters by paying visits to temples and promising that India will be among his top priority. He even promised that if he becomes the Prime Minister, India will be one of the first places he visits. Miliband was recently seen at the Shree Swaminarayan Temple in Willesden with his wife who was clad in traditional Indian attire.

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Miliband also delivered a speech during his visit, watch here:

The Scottish National Party, which has garnered immense popularity by all and now is the third largest party in the UK, has also assured the Indian voters in Scotland that it would re-introduce the post study work visa for Indian students. This announcement could turn the Indian votes in the SNP favour as it will allow the Indian students to work for two years in Scotland after their studies are completed.

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By precedent, a large percentage of Indian voters have voted for the Labour Party. But this time the competition to woo Indian voters have escalated to a new level with all the major parties pitching in for Indian votes. It promises to be a gripping contest.

Also Read: All you need to know about UK elections 2015