Sadiq Khan Quips in Urdu, Mocks Green Rival's Campaign Video! 😂

London Mayor Sadiq Khan recently injected a dose of political humor into City Hall, playfully mocking Green Party leader Zack Polanski by speaking to him in Urdu. The lighthearted jab came during Mayor's Question Time and was a direct reference to Polanski's much-discussed by-election campaign video.

Polanski, who is campaigning to replace Sir Keir Starmer as the MP for Holborn and St Pancras, had initially introduced himself in Urdu in a bid to drum up votes for the upcoming 8 October contest. However, the video quickly drew criticism from various corners, with many pointing out the relatively low number of Urdu speakers in the north London constituency.

Following the backlash, Polanski attempted to pivot, releasing a second video where he spoke in French, which was reportedly the most widely spoken foreign language in the area. Yet, this too hit a snag, as critics found errors in the accompanying French subtitles, further fueling the social media chatter.

Seizing the moment, Mayor Khan addressed Assembly member Polanski at Thursday's Mayor's Question Time, eliciting howls of laughter from other politicians present. Khan's team later clarified his words, stating he had told Polanski: “Peace be upon you. I was worried that you would ask the question in Urdu, but you asked your question in English.

I'll be spending time in Holborn and St Pancras this week and I'm going to be there. Maybe, maybe we will meet there.” Khan then added in English,

I thought as the member is so proficient in Urdu that I would speak in Urdu.

Khan's use of Urdu also carries a personal connection; it is the national language of Pakistan, the country his parents emigrated from in the 1960s. The Mayor has often spoken publicly about his pride in his Pakistani heritage.

Reactions to Khan's quip were varied. Labour MP Naz Shah tweeted that it was “pure class” from the London Mayor. On the other hand, Tory local government spokesperson Katie Lam had previously accused Polanski of “attempting to appeal to group-based grievances by campaigning in foreign languages,” labelling such tactics as “poisonous” and calling for a ban.

The Green Party, however, stood by their approach, stating they “believe that democracy doesn’t discriminate by languages spoken” and that

if we want to speak to people who speak Urdu, it makes sense to speak to them in Urdu. We’re proud to reach voters in as many languages as possible.

Despite the political sparring, a spokesperson for the Greens admitted that “the mayor is quite funny in Urdu.”

The by-election in Holborn and St Pancras follows Sir Keir Starmer's recent resignation as MP, despite his earlier indication to remain in the Commons until the next UK general election, slated for 2029. Labour is widely favored to retain the seat, with the Greens emerging as their primary competitor in the race.

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