Sadiq Khan

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Sadiq Khan, a biography; Graphic courtesy: The Times of India, May 8, 2016

This is a collection of articles archived for the excellence of their content.

First Muslim mayor in London

The Times of India, May 07 2016

London elects first Muslim mayor

Sadiq Khan, the son of a bus driver, became London's first Muslim mayor, seeing off a Conservative challenger who attempted to link him to extremism and securing a much-needed victory for his opposition Labour Party . As New York mayor Bill de Blasio sent his congratulations, Khan had yet to receive official notification of his victory, which would go some way to soothing the wounds of Labour which suffered losses in Thursday's other local elections.

Dealt a crushing blow in Scotland, where it came third behind the Scottish National Party and Britain's ruling Conservatives, Labour did better than expected in England, saving its left-leaning leader from an early challenge.

But the big prize was the London mayor vote, which pitted Khan, 45, who grew up in public housing in inner city London, against Conservative Zac Goldsmith, 41, the son of a billionaire financier.

A source close to the count said Sadiq Khan could not now be beaten in the race. Bill de Blasio said on Twitter: “Sending congratulations to London's new mayor and fellow affordable housing advocate, @SadiqKhan.“

Khan's margin of victory looked set to be narrower than expected in a possible sign that a bitter campaign marred by charges of anti-Semitism and extremism and charges of anti-Semitism in Labour ranks might have taken its toll.The Labour lawmaker replaces Conservative Boris Johnson, who has run the city of 8.6 million people for eight years.

Khan held his lead in the opinion polls, despite accusations by Goldsmith that he has shared platforms with radical Muslim speakers and given “oxygen“ to extremists. Khan says he has fought extremism all his life and that he regrets sharing a stage with speakers who held “abhorrent“ views. The Labour Party accused Goldsmith and the ruling Conservative Party of smearing Khan.

Liberal religious practices

Temple visit

The Times of India, May 14, 2016

Sadiq Khan at Lord Shree Swaminarayan temple (Swaminarayangadi.com)

Sadiq Khan's temple visit pictures a hit online

He has shot to fame as London's first 'Muslim' mayor. And the Swaminarayan Temple in Neasden, a Hindu shrine, is among Saqid Khans's favourite places in the city. In a recent Facebook post, Khan has expressed his fondness for the temple.

Pictures of Khan visiting the temple days before being elected as the mayor have gone viral where Khan is seen interacting with people from other faiths at the temple. He even holds out his hand for a priest to tie a string around his wrist, in keeping with a Hindu custom.