There are reports that one-third of the likely candidates for the upcoming council election are of Indian descent.
Although the nominations are not yet opened, it has been reported that at least 60 people of Indian descent have expressed their interest to stand for Wyndham Council in just three wards. There are also predictions that it could reach 100.
Out of the city’s 11 sitting councilors, two are of Indian background - Cr Intaj Khan and Cr Gautam Gupta .
However, Cr Gautam Gupta told Herald Sun that Indian people only made up about 5 percent of Wyndham’s population and hence making an all-Indian council is unlikely. “It’s good that so many people are interested in standing for the council but it can also be damaging when large political parties get involved with local government, which seems to be happening,” Cr Gupta added.
Wyndham Council spokeswoman Emily Keogh said the council was aware many people had declared an interest in running for council.“Running as a councillor in the Wyndham elections is an excellent way for residents to express a commitment to their local community and that we welcome more people taking an interest in local government," she said.
There are also comments from the Wyndham residents that the council was on track to beat the 93 candidates who recently ran for Australia’s most populous municipality, the Brisbane Council.
