In a significant move highlighting the expanding global footprint of Indian political engagement, former Mohali municipal councillor Sahibee Anand has been elevated to a key leadership role within the United Kingdom's Indian diaspora community. Anand has been appointed as the regional convenor for North East England by the Overseas Friends of Bharatiya Janata Party UK (OFBJP UK).
A Grassroots Leader Takes on a Global Role
The appointment was formally announced by Kuldeep Singh Shekhawat, President of OFBJP UK. This decision is part of a broader strategy to bolster regional leadership and enhance grassroots outreach within the growing Indian-origin population across the UK. North East England, in particular, has witnessed a rapid increase in its Indian community, which now includes a vibrant mix of professionals, students, and entrepreneurs.
Sahibee Anand brings considerable political and organisational experience to this new position. Hailing from Mohali, she previously served as a councillor in the Mohali Municipal Corporation. Furthermore, she held the responsibility of a national executive member of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), the youth wing of the BJP, giving her deep insight into party dynamics and youth engagement.
Strengthening Diaspora Bridges
Commenting on the new appointment, President Kuldeep Singh Shekhawat expressed confidence in Anand's capabilities. He emphasised that her understanding of governance and community organisation would be instrumental in strengthening diaspora participation and fostering a more connected community in the region.
Responding to her new role, Sahibee Anand outlined her vision, drawing a direct line from her past work in Punjab to her future goals in England. "Having worked at the grassroots level in Mohali, my focus will be on inclusive engagement and strengthening people-to-people ties between India and the UK," Anand stated. She reiterated that her efforts would be directed towards creating a platform for wider community involvement and nurturing the bilateral relationship at a civic level.
The Growing Network of Overseas BJP Support
The Overseas Friends of BJP (OFBJP) is an integral overseas unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party. It was established thirteen years ago with a dual mandate: to promote the party's image in Western nations and to safeguard the interests of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs). Over the years, the organisation has successfully set up chapters in major countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada, acting as a vital link between the Indian diaspora and the political landscape of their homeland.
The appointment of a leader with strong local government experience like Sahibee Anand signals a strategic push to deepen and formalise these connections, especially in regions with a burgeoning Indian population like North East England.
