Indian-origin mayoral candidate wants to run London like a ‘seasoned CEO’

The Indian-origin candidate in the race to challenge Sadiq Khan to win a third term, the mayor of London says the British capital’s citizens have been let down by all major political parties and he wants to rule London as a “seasoned CEO” “who delivers profits for all.”

Delhi-born Tarun Ghulati believes his experience as a businessman and investment expert is what London needs to revive its fortunes as the ‘world bank of the world’ by attracting the investments it needs.

The 63-year-old is standing as an independent candidate among 13 candidates in the local elections on May 2, when Londoners will vote for their mayor as well as members of the London Assembly.

“I see London as a unique global city, comparable to the ‘global bank of the world’ where diverse cultures come together to flourish,” Ghulati said in a speech this week.

“As Mayor, I will build London’s balance sheet to become the first choice for investment, ensuring safety and prosperity for all its residents. I will transform and manage London effectively and efficiently as a seasoned CEO. London will be a profitable business where profitability means the well-being of all. You will all be part of the journey. Let’s do it for our London, our home,” he said.

Safety on the city’s streets is another of his top priorities, with visible community policing and more officers on patrol on the agenda.

“It’s about making sure there are enough bobbies on the beat, that the police have the resources to do their job; “That means making the streets safe for women at night, with robbers and burglars caught and punished,” he said.

The removal of some of the unpopular policies of incumbent Labor Party Sadiq Khan, such as the high costs associated with Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) and Low Traffic Neighborhoods (LTNs) charges in the city, are also key Ghulati’s policy plans.

“We didn’t want ULEZ, LTNs or 30 km/h speed limits and many other bad policies… Climate change is happening and we need to mitigate its effects, but we can’t do that by making everyone live 15 minutes away from home or by penalizing commuters in areas with little public transport. What changes we need to make must be in line with public opinion and not arbitrarily imposed on pockets that have to bear the cost of living,” said Ghulati, who has called London home for 20 years.

He is equally scathing about Conservative Party mayoral candidate Susan Hall, who he claims has failed to block the mayor’s controversial policies despite serving as a member of the London Assembly for years.

“I wouldn’t be running for mayor if the political candidates did what they were supposed to do. They have failed us. This is all about London and Londoners,” he declared.

Creating more affordable housing, minimizing council tax, increasing the focus on tourism to the British capital and ensuring free school meals are some of Ghulati’s other areas of focus. He claims he has been wandering from borough to borough in London to collect the required signatures in support of his bid for mayor.

Ghulati also features in the official mini manifesto booklet, which costs each candidate £10,000.

The winning mayoral candidate will be responsible for all local issues affecting Londoners, from transport and policing to housing and the environment.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)