The event thus stands at the intersection of celebration and controversy, reflecting ongoing debates around community representation and inclusivity in London’s public sphere
The recent Diwali celebration in London, co-organized by the Diwali in London Committee and Mayor Sadiq Khan, has drawn criticism from several British Indian advocacy groups over the involvement of organizations allegedly linked to Hindu nationalism, reported m9.news.
Held at Trafalgar Square and attended by thousands, the event aimed to celebrate Diwali as a multicultural gathering. However, the participation of Vishwa Hindu Parishad UK (VHP-UK) and other groups with controversial histories has sparked debate.
Hindus for Human Rights UK, a prominent advocacy organization, voiced concerns about the involvement of VHP-UK, an affiliate of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) in India. The VHP is a Hindu nationalist organization that a UK government report has previously implicated in violence against Muslims in India. Rajiv Sinha, Director of Hindus for Human Rights UK, expressed disappointment over what he termed “a serious lapse” in vetting event organizers, noting that Mayor Khan had been informed of these concerns as early as July.
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Despite reassurances, Hindus for Human Rights UK and other groups remain concerned
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Rajiv Sinha contends that Mayor Khan has yet to take meaningful action against Hindu nationalism in the UK, despite acknowledging the issue
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VHP-UK maintains on its website that its UK operations are independent and adhere to British laws, denying any involvement in violence in India, specifically in the 2002 Gujarat riots
In a letter to Mayor Khan, representatives from several civil society groups—including the Students’ Federation of India United Kingdom, Scottish Indians for Justice, the UK-Indian Muslim Council, and South Asia Solidarity Group—highlighted concerns about VHP-UK’s involvement. The letter, co-signed by members of the Green Party, including the West Central London Green Party and Muslim Greens, stressed that while they did not condemn attendees who came to celebrate Diwali in good faith, the choice of organizers was “shocking and egregious.”
Khan, a Muslim leader with a record of promoting unity, previously condemned conflicts between Hindu and Muslim communities in the UK. Following unrest in Leicester in September 2022, he emphasized shared values between British Muslims and Hindus, urging the community to avoid letting “the politics of the sub-continent” divide them.
In response to the criticism, a spokesperson for Mayor Khan affirmed that the Diwali celebration at Trafalgar Square reflects London’s inclusivity, noting that the event is “a beacon of inclusivity, welcoming people of all backgrounds and faiths.” They highlighted the Diwali in London (DiL) Committee’s role in coordinating the event, a committee that reportedly represents London’s Hindu and Jain communities.
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