In Rare Feat, Mother-Son Duo From Haryana Elected Mayors In UK Within A Week

Last Updated:May 25, 2026, 09:10 IST

A Haryana family in the UK has made history after the son became the mayor in the country, while his mother was elected the first Indian-origin Mayor of Hertsmere Borough Council.

A family originally from Haryana’s Rohtak has achieved a rare political distinction in the United Kingdom, with both a mother and her son being elected mayors within a span of one week.

According to a PTI report, 23-year-old Tushar Kumar has become the youngest Indian-origin mayor in the UK after being elected Mayor of Elstree and Borehamwood Town Council on May 13.

Days later, on May 20, his mother, Parveen Rani, was elected as the first Indian-origin Mayor of Hertsmere Borough Council.

The family had moved to the UK in 2013 from Rohtak.

Their ancestral roots trace back to Rohna village in Haryana’s Sonipat district.

Speaking to PTI over the phone on Sunday, Tushar’s father Sunil Dahiya said the family did not move abroad with any fixed plans or political ambitions.

“We had not come with any specific thing in mind when we moved to the UK in 2013. Tushar was just 10 years then," Dahiya said.

He described the simultaneous elevation of his wife and son as a proud moment for the family and the Indian-origin community.

“Today, it is a matter of great pride that a mother and her son from a family who are of Indian origin have become mayors at the same time," he told PTI.

Dahiya said both Tushar and Parveen had long been interested in social and community work.

According to him, Tushar actively participated in community service activities from a young age, which eventually paved the way for his entry into local politics.

He said Tushar was only 20 years old when he was first elected a councillor while studying in college in London.

Tushar, a Labour councillor, joined the Elstree and Borehamwood Town Council in 2023 and had earlier served as deputy mayor before assuming office as mayor this month.

Dahiya said his son believes young people should not hesitate to participate in public service because of their age.

“His message to the youth is that they can enter public or community service without waiting for a certain age," he said, adding that Tushar strongly values staying connected to one’s heritage and culture.

Despite relocating to the UK more than a decade ago, the family continues to maintain close ties with Haryana.

Dahiya said they still own a house in Rohtak where some family members live.

“We always stay connected with our roots. We visit our hometown every year," he said.

According to Dahiya, Tushar takes pride in both his Indian background and the multicultural British town he now represents.

“While he is very proud of his Indian heritage, at the same time, he is equally proud of the wonderful, diverse British town that he serves, which is a cultural melting pot," he said.

The family has also been involved in promoting Hindi language and culture in the UK. Dahiya said Tushar and Parveen used to teach Hindi free of cost to children born and raised in Britain.

“Tushar and his mother also used to teach Hindi free of cost to those born and brought up in the UK. Tushar is also connected with a charity-based organisation, the Hindi Shiksha Parishad," he said.

Both Tushar and Parveen contested local elections for the first time in 2023 and were elected councillors.

Before becoming mayor, Parveen Rani served as Cabinet Member for Streetscene, Parks, Leisure and Culture, deputy mayor of Hertsmere, and Global Envoy for Film and Television, Dahiya said.

Tushar graduated from King’s College London and was pursuing a BSc in politics when he became a councillor at the age of 20.

According to his father, he is expected to begin his Master’s degree later this year.

Dahiya also said his younger son is studying at King’s College and serves as a trustee in the King’s College Students’ Union.

He added that Parveen Rani remains deeply committed to community service, education and cultural outreach, and works towards bringing together people from different backgrounds and generations.

News india In Rare Feat, Mother-Son Duo From Haryana Elected Mayors In UK Within A Week

Read More