Patna: A professor born in East Champaran, Bihar, has been selected as a candidate in Scotland’s 2026 parliamentary elections, marking a notable moment for the Indian diaspora in British politics.
Prof Dhruv Kumar has been announced by Scotland’s pro-independence ALBA Party as a candidate on the Glasgow regional list for the 2026 Scottish parliamentary elections. He previously contested the Glasgow South Westminster seat as an ALBA candidate in the 2024 UK general election and is now preparing for the next phase of his political campaign.
A longstanding supporter of Scottish independence, Kumar has positioned himself as an advocate for self-determination and economic sovereignty. He argues that Scotland should have full control over its political and economic policies so that revenues generated from its natural resources benefit its people directly.
Currently serving as deputy convener in ALBA’s Glasgow local area campaign unit, Kumar has been active in grassroots organisation, policy debates and expanding the party’s reach in the city.
From Champaran to Glasgow
Born in Chaurdano village in Motihari, East Champaran district, Kumar completed his early education at Navodaya Vidyalaya before finishing his schooling in Kota, Rajasthan. He later moved to Scotland for higher studies in engineering and economics, eventually settling in Glasgow and working in academia.
“India is my birthplace, and Glasgow is my workplace,” Kumar said. “The people of Scotland embraced me, and that’s why I consider it my responsibility to strive for solutions to the problems here. The spirit of truth, justice and community that I learned from the land of Champaran inspires my political journey.”
After contesting the 2024 general election, he emerged as a visible voice within Scotland’s pro-independence movement.
Energy, housing and social justice
Central to Kumar’s campaign is what he describes as the “Scottish Energy Paradox”: despite significant oil, gas and renewable energy reserves, many households face high electricity and gas bills.
He argues that profits from Scotland’s natural resources are not adequately reaching ordinary citizens, particularly in colder regions where heating costs are substantial.
“Independence is not just a constitutional question but one that concerns the lives of ordinary people,” he said. “Sovereignty is essential to address issues like inflation, the housing crisis and the energy crisis.”
Kumar has also raised concerns about pressures on the National Health Service, citing resource shortages and growing demand. He has criticised what he describes as poor-quality housing, rising rents and a shortage of social housing, calling for clearer protections for tenants.
Diaspora engagement and India ties
Within Scottish politics, Kumar is known for his role in promoting a parliamentary motion condemning anti-Hindu sentiment. He prepared and presented a report on “Hinduphobia in Scotland”, a move that drew support from sections of the Indian diaspora.
He has also advocated stronger economic ties between Scotland and India, proposing what he calls a “Ganga-Clyde Economic Corridor”. The concept envisages cooperation in renewable energy, higher education, skills development and the whisky and spirits industry.
Kumar has additionally spoken at a parliamentary inquiry in Westminster on shipbuilding, urging renewed investment in Scotland’s historic shipbuilding sector through fair public procurement policies.
Describing politics as “a tool for solving public problems”, Kumar says his focus remains on social justice, economic equality and democratic rights as he prepares for the 2026 contest.
