Savitha Prakash, an NHS doctor and first-generation immigrant from India, is leading a group of 55 Reform UK candidates in the London borough of Harrow for the local elections on 7 May. She draws parallels between Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that both focus on prioritizing the majority. Prakash, who chairs Reform UK's Harrow branch, said Modi made a difference to India and that Farage speaks similarly about looking out for the majority.
Growing Support Among British Indians
Research by the 1928 Institute at Oxford shows support for Reform among British Indians rose from 4% in 2024 to 13% in 2025, though still lower than the general UK population. Prakash, who arrived in the UK in 2003 from Mysore, said Britain has changed since she moved here, comparing it to regression in India. She backs Reform's policies, including plans to scrap indefinite leave to remain and tighten visa rules, arguing that the country should decide immigration levels.
Local Reactions and Controversies
In Harrow, where British Asians make up nearly half the population, some residents express sympathy for Reform's stance on asylum seekers. One 29-year-old waiter from Gujarat criticized government spending on asylum seeker hotels. Prakash dismisses accusations of racism against Reform, pointing to her leadership role and that of Zia Yusuf as evidence. She acknowledges online abuse but focuses on the campaign, noting support from former Labour and Conservative voters who want to 'put Britain first.'
