Prime minister Rishi Sunak visited the Sri Kutchh Satsang Swaminarayan Temple in Kenton, northwest London, on Sunday with former MP Bob Blackman and other leaders.
Swami Shri Madhavapriyadas and Santavallabhdas honoured Sunak with garlands, as he accepted an invitation to the 'Vadtal Sri Lakshminarayan Dev Bicentenary Mahotsav.'
Sunak received a statue of Sarangpur Kashtabhanjandev from the temple leaders and said, "I will place this idol in front of me while reciting Hanuman Chalisa."
Sunak said the Conservative Party follows the values of religion. (Photo credit: The Conservative Party/Flickr)
He participated in aarti to Sri Ghanshyam Maharaj and received blessings from Swami Madhava Priyadas and other saints.
Sunak expressed gratitude, saying, “It is our good fortune to receive the warm welcome and blessings of the saints. We feel blessed. I was brought up in a temple environment. Bob Blackman always speaks proudly about the Harrow Temple community. Our Conservative Party follows the values of religion. Bob is your representative. We are here to serve, and I will continue to serve you. Our Conservative Party needs a sensible MP like Bob Blackman in office.”
Swami Madhavapriyadas called Sunak the pride of the UK and India. "Thousands of Indian brothers and sisters in the UK love you. Under your leadership, the relationship between India and Great Britain has grown stronger and will continue to do so,” he said.
Sunak participated in aarti to Sri Ghanshyam Maharaj. ((Photo credit: The Conservative Party/Flickr)
Bob Blackman, the MP for Harrow East until parliament was dissolved, introduced the temple leaders and volunteers to Sunak.
Temple leaders and committee members welcomed the prime minister. Councillor Kanti Dhanji Rabadia, councillor Nitesh Hirani, and other leaders were also present.
“We are fortunate to have the first Hindu prime minister in the UK. He works hard for us as common servants of the country. Council members of Harrow also work hard for your well-being and safety. We hope for your cooperation,” Blackman said.
Bob Blackman MP speaks during the event