British Indians and other members of South Asian communities in the UK are voicing their frustration with Prime Minister Keir Starmer following his recent use of the term "Asian grooming gangs". This terminology drew scrutiny after Starmer employed it while defending his past tenure as Director of Public Prosecutions. Critics argue that this catch-all phrase unfairly implicates various Asian ethnicities in crimes primarily associated with men of Pakistani origin. Notably, Tesla CEO Elon Musk expressed his support for clamoring voices against this terminology, labeling it problematic.

Starmer's comments reignited outrage among community leaders who argue that the label tarnishes the broader Asian community, including Indians and Sri Lankans. Priyanka Chaturvedi, a leader of the Shiv Sena (UBT), emphasized this sentiment in her social media posts, stating, "They aren't ASIAN Grooming Gangs but PAKISTANI grooming gangs." Musk's response on X (formerly Twitter), where he deemed Chaturvedi’s remarks as "True," further fueled discussions about the sensitive implications of Starmer's wording.

The controversy resurfaced after last year’s backlash regarding Starmer’s handling of the Diwali reception at Downing Street, which offended many British Hindus due to the inclusion of meat and alcohol, often contrary to the community's cultural practices. Krishna Bhan, Chair of the Hindu Council UK, denounced the PM's choice of words, stating, "We are dismayed that the PM chose to whitewash this heinous atrocity with the word ‘Asian’." Additionally, leaders have pointed out the long-term damage such language can cause by perpetuating negative stereotypes and dividing communities.

The Pakistani grooming gang scandal itself encompasses a series of events where primarily Pakistani men exploited young girls, often from vulnerable backgrounds, in various British towns. This ongoing issue highlights systemic failures of law enforcement agencies to protect victims. Accusations towards Starmer have intensified among advocates demanding accountability from political leaders regarding the choice of language surrounding these sensitive matters.

Community groups are now calling for cultural sensitivity and public clarity on these topics, insisting on a different narrative that avoids conflating diverse communities into a singular group. Deepa Singh of Sikh Youth UK noted, "Such language stigmatizes entire communities while protecting the real perpetrators." As the criticisms of Starmer's administration grow, the onus is on the Labour Party to restore faith among the communities that feel alienated.

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