British Prime Minister Boris Johnson resigned following a party revolt. Within two days, 41 Conservative Party ministers resigned, increasing the pressure on them to resign. The pressure on Boris Johnson began on July 5, when Finance Minister Rishi Sunak resigned from the UK government. Following this, the crisis in his chair was exacerbated by the resignation of Health Minister Sajid Wajid. So far, four cabinet ministers from the ruling Conservative Party have resigned. In addition to Sunak and Sajid Wajid, Simon Hart and Brandon Lewis are involved.
Now, Rishi Sunak is the frontrunner in the race for the post of Prime Minister. He is said to be leading the race for the country’s next Prime Minister. Sunak is the son-in-law of Infosys co-founder and veteran businessman Narayan Murthy. In this context, let’s know about this key Indian-origin British politician.
His early life:
Rishi was born to Indian parents. His father, Yashveer, was born in Kenya and raised there, while his mother, Usha, was born in Tanzania. Rishi’s grandparents were born in the province of Punjab (British India). In the 1960s, they moved to the United Kingdom with their children.
Rishi was born on May 12, 1980, in Southampton, England. His father was a doctor, and his mother ran the dispensary. Rishi is the eldest of three brothers and sisters.
Education and career:
Rishi, who is of Indian origin, was born in Southampton, England. He studied political science at Winchester College in the United Kingdom. Following that, he enrolled at Oxford University to study Philosophy and Economics. He attended Stanford University as a Fulbright Scholar and earned his MBA there.
After graduation, Rishi Sunak worked for Goldman Sachs and later became a partner in hedge fund firms.
Before entering politics, Rishi founded a multibillion-pound global investment firm. This company was useful in investing in small businesses in the United Kingdom.
He met Akshata Murthy, daughter of Infosys co-founder and veteran businessman Narayan Murthy, during his MBA at Stanford University, and later married her. Krishna and Anushka are their two daughters.
Political journey:
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Rishi Sunak, an MP from Richmond in Yorkshire, first entered Parliament in 2015. His standing in the party grew at the time as a result of his support for Brexit.
Rishi served as a junior minister in the cabinet of British Prime Minister Theresa May at the time. He was always regarded as a rising Conservative Party star. Many of the party’s top leaders have repeatedly praised him.
Rishi Sunak is a fitness enthusiast. Apart from cricket and football, he enjoys watching movies.
Rishi Sunak’s popularity in the Boris Johnson government can be gauged by the fact that he was seen as the government’s face in the majority of press briefings.
People of all classes were pleased with his work as a result of his hard work. He provided a package worth 10,000 crores to the tourism industry, which had suffered during the Corona regime. During the Corona era, his policies did not allow British workers’ wages to fall, which increased his popularity.
Controversies:
Boris Johnson was embroiled in the partygate scandal in the United Kingdom. Sunak was also burned by his flame. Sunak was also fined in connection with the partygate scandal. He received a fixed-penalty notice.
During the covid-19 protocol, a party was organised at the Prime Minister’s Downing Street residence in May 2020. After photos of the party and some emails were leaked, the situation became heated. Boris Johnson has also apologised publicly for this incident.
Sunak’s popularity suffered as a result of this case. He has also come under fire for allegations of tax evasion against his wife Akshata.
Sunak on India:
Rishi Sunak recently stated that India has many opportunities and that the country is optimistic about the future. While promoting India, he stated that Britain must avoid undermining India.
Sunak, who has frequently defended India, stated, “We (UK) have to earn that place in the eyes of India, so we have to rework our relations with India.” Both countries should work together on an equal footing. Our priority should be to make it easier for Indians who come to Britain.