19-year-old Punjabi-origin girl set to make her debut in British elections
Tuesday, 28/04/2015
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CHANDIGARH: A Punjabi-origin girl is all set to make her political debut in the upcoming UK elections, and that too at the age of 19.
Green Party candidate Jaspreet Mahal getting petitions signed to save Ealing Hospital.
Jaspreet Mahal, popularly known as Jas Mahal, is contesting elections on a Green Party ticket from Ealing Southall. Asked what motivated her to contest elections at this tender age, she said: “I am just an ordinary student. I have not always wanted to be a politician. In fact, I used to hate politics growing up. All I could see around me were corrupt, unprincipled careerists who would absolutely wreck the community they were tasked to serve, if it meant more power for them. However, the government has forced students like me to stand up and take notice. The government has neglected us and has implemented policies leading to cut in youth services, low employment and high debt upon leaving universities.”
“Contesting at this age does not seem like an option for most young people and running a campaign against seasoned politicians whilst also balancing studying or a career would be daunting for anyone. However, I jumped into politics when the realisation dawned on me that ordinary people need to take back this power from the career politicians as we call them. The politicians who play dirty games and don’t understand that their job role is to be a public servant and not a self-serving corporate puppet,” she added.
A politics and international relations student, Jaspreet has been associated with the Green Party since June last year. She also raised money required to contest the elections on Crowdfunder. “It costs £500 for every individual candidate to contest a seat and as we have three candidates in Ealing, we needed £1500. I’m pleased to say we raised all the money successfully,” she said.
PARENTS’ REACTION
“My parents are happy that someone is finally standing up for ordinary people in the community. However, they were shocked to discover that the person is me considering my young age and my commitment to my degree, but they are also proud and understand I have always believed in taking action over injustices. I am not a career politician and I don’t know their dirty games, but my parents are also aware of this, which led them to worry. I have participated in debates and hustings with passion and honesty on my side, as well as my understanding of the community. This alone is enough to give me courage to debate and succeed against more seasoned opponents,” said Jaspreet.
VISION FOR CONSTITUENCY
“My vision is for a society where the government serves the needs of the public, not tax avoiding corporations or the cronies of politicians. I believe that instead of attacking the most poor and vulnerable in the society with austerity measures (the likes of hospital closures, benefits sanctions and slashing the independent living fund for the disabled), we should even out wealth inequality by ending nondomestic tax status and implementing the living wage for all to experience a decent standard of living and maintain a standard above the poverty line. We should also invest in expanding public services and renewable energy sources, creating secure, useful jobs for the community and providing a safe climate for future generations to safely live in,” she said.
