Rama Krishna Sangem
First let’s congratulate Mary Elizabeth Truss, or Liz Truss, 47 year old new Prime Minister of Britain. She beat Indian origin Rishi Sunak, her 42 year old rival in Conservative Party, by a comfortable margin, results of which announced on September 5, Monday in London. This is the culmination of an over month long selection or election process within the ruling Conservative party after the resignation of Boris Johnson, 58, on July 7.
In her acceptance speech, a cheerful yet confident Truss declared “We will deliver, deliver and deliver” (of her promises) and win again in 2024 parliamentary elections. Liz worked as Secretary of State for Foreign affairs in the outgoing Johnson Cabinet. Sunak, son-in-law of or Infosys founder chairman NR Narayana Murthy, was the Chancellor of Exchequer (finance minister) in the same Cabinet.
Most of Indians wanted Sunak win in this key Prime Ministerial elections at a time when India celebrated its 75 years of Independence from Britain in 1947. In fact, Sunak beat Liz in a round of polls of his party MPs. But, Liz gained majority in 1,42,379 delegates of ruling Conservative Party. Liz got 81,326 votes while Rishi, who fought valiantly till the last, bagged 60,399 votes in the final count.
But, Liz Truss as the PM of the UK is the best bet for India. Her election happened at a time when India emerged as the 5th largest economy of the World, by pushing the UK behind. According to Bloomberg analysis, India achieved this against the backdrop of its 75 years of Independence from the same Britain. Poetic justice. Economists and experts say, Liz is best suited for Indian interests in the next 2 years. The UK parliament goes to polls in 2024.
Logic is simple. Sunak as PM would have struggled hard to help India as his credentials will be over scrutinized in the UK. But, Liz can do the same without being suspected by anyone. Because, she is a true blue blood British. In fact, Johnson is the best friend of India. He and PM Narendra Modi enjoyed a great rapport in the last few years. The same goodwill will continue now too. Truss and Modi will be a good team.
India and the UK are set to sign a free trade agreement (FTA) soon. It will be easier now as Truss and Modi will hammer out all irritants without any emotional burden. India has withered all hurdles like slowdown of economy thanks to the pandemic and geopolitical crisis. This is the time the UK and India are supposed to walk closely and firmly on global stages. New PM Liz Truss is good for us in this deal.
PM Modi tweeted congratulations to @Trussliz, wishing her the best, while the newly elected British PM hinted at taking forward the initiatives of her predecessor Johnson. Liz’s support to India is much needed as the country takes over the leadership of G-20 countries from this year end for a period one year. Sunak too, on his part extended full support to Liz leadership.
