Kolkata Anglo-Indians want their own man in LS

KOLKATA: The Anglo-Indians in Kolkata will like to see as their MP in Lok Sabha someone who will truly represent the interest of the community.
Over the years, the nomination has turned more a party affair than the true reflection of the choice of the community, a member of the community said on Monday. "Political parties back their trusted men in the Anglo-Indian community.The choice often does not reflect the priorities of the community, but of the party in power."
Such choices do not help in addressing their problems, since these members are far removed from the community, said a member of the All-India Anglo-Indian Association.
"We need someone who understands the aspirations, problems and requirements of the community and can address them in Parliament."
"The nominated candidate should have the interest of the community at heart and help the poorer sections. If the community deems fit, I would like to represent them at the national level," said present MLA and principal of Welland Gouldsmith School, Gillian Rosemary Hart.
With the formation of the new Lok Sabha in motion, the Anglo-Indian community in the city is debating intensely who should represent them in the House. Under the Constitution, two seats in Lok Sabha are reserved for the community.
Among the names doing the rounds in the community are former MP and quiz master Neil O''Brien, social worker Brian Sweeney, as well as honourary general secretary of All-India Anglo-Indian Association Malcolm Booth.
"Neil is respected by the community, has no political agenda, is head of the All-India Anglo-Indian Association which has 60 branches all over the country and knows the problems of the community," said a member of the association. He had been an MP earlier and also a nominated member of the West Bengal Assembly.
Some feel that there are members in the community who keep a low profile and work quietly, they were the people who should be considered as the MPs from the community, said an Anglo-Indian teacher living in Elliot Road.
On the other hand, some young members of the community with a national appeal do not seem to be keen on becoming MPs. "Good luck to all those standing, I would like to concentrate on my professional career," said quiz master Derek O''Brien, a well-known face of the community.
Educationist and another well-known member of the community Barry O''Brien expressed a similar feeling.
"I do my bit for the community, but I am not quite ready yet to sit in Parliament. First I would like to concentrate in the state level and then think of the country at large." The experience of the past five years have thrown up quite a few important issues before the community. Like, the Graham Staines incident and attacks on Christians. Other issues are unemployment and lack of housing.
Earlier, railways and telegraph had reserved seats for the community and used to be an important source of employment for Anglo-Indians.