Green Party Leader Campaigns in Bengali Amidst Linguistic Controversy

Green Party leader Zack Polanski has released a new campaign video in Bengali for the Holborn and St Pancras by-election on October 8, a move that follows criticism and mockery over his previous attempts to appeal to voters in Urdu and French.

Mr. Polanski, a member of the London Assembly, is contesting the north London constituency, which was previously represented by former Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The seat has been a Labour stronghold for 43 years.

Polanski's earlier campaign video in Urdu was met with derision, particularly as official figures indicated only 156 voters in the constituency listed Urdu as their main language. Urdu is primarily spoken in Pakistan and India, and data shows that only a small percentage of Holborn and St Pancras residents are of Indian or Pakistani descent.

Following the Urdu video, Polanski released a campaign message in French, encouraging voters to 'votez pour les verts.' Census data from 2021 showed that 2,488 people in the constituency listed French as their main language.

The latest video, delivered in Bengali, may prove more effective, as 3,471 individuals in Holborn and St Pancras reported Bengali as their primary language.

In the Instagram video, filmed in a restaurant, Polanski stated: "I'm Zack Polanski and I'm standing to be the MP for Holborn and St Pancras. The Green Party has forced Labour to change some of their most unpopular policies. Vote Green on 8th October."

Polanski's use of foreign languages in campaigning has drawn criticism. Conservative local government spokesman Katie Lam described the practice as "poisonous" and argued that politics should be conducted in the language of public life. Shadow work and pensions secretary Helen Whately also expressed concern, stating that politicians should campaign in the languages of the United Kingdom.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan also appeared to mock Polanski's Urdu efforts, responding to a question in the language at Mayor's Question Time and humorously apologizing if his Urdu sounded Russian.

Sir Keir Starmer resigned his seat earlier this month, despite having indicated he would remain in Parliament until the next general election, expected no later than 2029.

Mr. Polanski aims to capitalize on the Green Party's performance in the May local elections, where the party secured second place behind Labour in several council wards within the constituency. He is considered the most significant electoral challenger to Labour's long-held dominance in the seat.

A spokesperson for the Green Party defended their approach, stating, "Greens believe that democracy speaks many languages. Holborn and St Pancras reflects the diversity of London and of our country, where many people are bilingual. We choose to embrace and celebrate that, and we're proud to reach voters in as many languages as possible."