Election Latest: Elton John backs Labour, Starmer in general election; Sunak delivers deeply personal speech at London temple

Sunak shares personal anecdote and addresses racist comments from Reform campaigners

Recently, Rishi Sunak delivered a speech at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, also known as Neasden Temple, which is a traditional Hindu temple in London.

Rishi Sunak, who is a Hindu, told attendees: “Like all of you, I draw inspiration and comfort from my faith.

“I was proud when I was sworn in as a member of parliament on the basis of the Bhagavad Gita (one of the most important sacred texts of Hinduism).

“Our faith teaches us to fulfill our duties and not worry about the outcome, as long as we do them faithfully.”

“My family also strengthens my commitment to service,” the prime minister said.

He spoke about his mother-in-law’s philanthropic work in India and praised his wife as “the greatest support a husband could ever receive” and “a person committed to a life of service.”

To attendees, Mr Sunak said: “I want to start by thanking you all for your support, your prayers and your love. You were with me every step of the way.

“I have felt your support during the most difficult days of this job and I know how proud it is to have a British-Asian Prime Minister, and I am determined never to let you down.”

The prime minister argued that so many Indians are conservative because “we are united by our values,” citing education, hard work and family.

Mr Sunak said: “One of the most memorable moments of the last few years came on Diwali, sixty years to the day after my (grandmother) boarded a plane from East Africa – for the first time in her life, completely alone – to start a new life for her family here in this country.

“Sixty years after that moment, her great-granddaughters, my girls, were playing in the street in front of our house.”

“They partied like many other families on Diwali – except they partied on Downing Street.”

Referring to the racist slur used against him by a Reform UK activist, he said that “the events of the last few days should not make us forget that the UK is the most successful multicultural and multifaith democracy in the world and we should all celebrate that”.

Finally, the Prime Minister said: “Thank you for all your support. I can only hope that I can make you proud every day.”