Lucknow: Lucknow and Tunbridge wells based Ashish Shukla, originally from Arjunganj, has been elected to represent Southborough & Bidborough in the 2026 United Kingdom local elections as a Liberal Democrat candidate, marking a proud moment for the Indian community and Uttar Pradesh diaspora in the UK.
The official election announcement stated:
“We are delighted to announce that Ash Shukla (Liberal Democrats) has been elected to represent Southborough & Bidborough in the 2026 UK local elections. Ash is committed to working tirelessly for our local residents and ensuring our voice is heard at the Town Hall.”
Ashish Shukla has built a distinguished career in the United Kingdom as a senior technology and utilities professional, working extensively across digital transformation, artificial intelligence, infrastructure modernization, and utility sector innovation. Based in the South West of the UK, he has held senior leadership and strategic roles over the last two decades while remaining deeply connected to his roots in Uttar Pradesh.
Despite his demanding professional commitments in the UK, Ashish travels to Lucknow and Ayodhya multiple times every year — often four to five visits annually — to actively support and oversee social, cultural, educational, and investment initiatives in the region.
Along with his wife Saloni Shukla, he is involved in building technology and AI-focused ventures in the UK while simultaneously investing in long-term development projects in Uttar Pradesh, particularly in Ayodhya.
One of their flagship initiatives is the development of a 35-acre cultural, innovation, and education institution under the EKAM initiative in Ayodhya. The project aims to create a unique ecosystem that combines Indian cultural values, education, innovation, sustainability, and future technologies. The broader vision includes fostering youth development, entrepreneurship, skill creation, and global cultural collaboration rooted in Indic civilizational values.
Ashish Shukla is also collaborating closely with Invest UP and regional stakeholders to explore employment generation opportunities, innovation-led investments, and socially impactful projects in the Ayodhya region. His engagement focuses on creating long-term economic and educational opportunities while positioning Ayodhya as a center for culture, innovation, and sustainable development.
Speaking after the election victory, Ashish Shukla said:
“This victory is not just personal; it reflects the growing contribution of Indians and people of Indian origin in public life globally. While I proudly serve local residents in the UK, my heart remains deeply connected to Lucknow, Ayodhya, and Uttar Pradesh. I believe the future lies in building bridges between global innovation and our cultural and social roots.”
Community members and supporters from both the UK and India have congratulated Cllr Ash Shukla on his victory and wished him success in his public leadership journey.
