Sonika Nirwal - Political Debut and Response

Political Debut and Response

Sonika’s dramatic debut on the Labour party conference platform in 1999 was later heralded as an opportunity for change. She has come to be seen as the best chance to change the face of politics in Ealing Southall, and British politics generally, by contributing to a more representative and Inclusive Democracy. However, it seems that significant work needs to be done to change perceptions in different quarters concerning political leadership. In a 2007 opinion piece on the website of a national British paper, The Guardian, Ashok Viswanathan commented

Before we relish the prospect of lambasting the political parties for their inertia in combating prejudice, let us not forget the prejudice that stifles many of our young also comes from within communities. Pressures to confine their ambitions towards traditional careers prevents growth of talent. And the harsh truth is that those that suffer most are young women. That is why the efforts of Sonika in pursuing political ambitions are to be applauded. is a struggle against gender barriers, age barriers and race barriers, and this makes progress in the scheme and ongoing political successes that much more remarkable. If we are to see more of our young, like Sonika, follow in the paths of our great leaders from Nairoji to Jinah and Nehru, then opportunities must open up not just in the corridors of power at Westminster, but on the doorsteps of our communities. We must do more to encourage and inspire our young - especially women - to fulfil their political aspirations, and create a more representative and inclusive democracy.

Nirwal has publicly criticised the "old boys' club" in the Ealing Southall Labour party, claiming that they represent the old guard of Southall who "did not want change."