Why is the whole community being mocked? — Indian-Origin Australian Mayor Resigns After Racist Abuse

International News:: Pradeep Tiwari, the Indian-origin mayor of Maribyrnong City in Victoria, has resigned temporarily after becoming the target of a wave of racist remarks on social media. His decision comes amid an ongoing court case related to allegations of reckless driving, but the issue quickly escalated into something much deeper, exposing the prejudice still faced by migrant communities in Australia.

From Allegations to Racist Trolls

The controversy began when local media reported that Tiwari had been accused of reckless driving. What could have remained a straightforward legal matter soon spiraled into an online storm. Social media platforms were flooded with not only criticism of Tiwari but also derogatory comments aimed at the Indian community at large. Tiwari, who has been a respected figure in local politics, condemned the backlash and highlighted how unfair it was to drag an entire community into controversy over an individual case.

“It is very difficult for me to understand why the entire Indian community is being mocked and insulted through racist comments,” Tiwari said in a heartfelt Facebook post. “Racism has no place in our society, and I will continue to oppose it whenever it arises.”

A Difficult Step: Stepping Down as Mayor

Facing mounting pressure, Tiwari announced that he would temporarily step aside as mayor while the legal proceedings continue. The responsibility of mayor will now be handled by Cr Bernadette Thomas, who has been appointed as Acting Mayor. Despite the resignation, Tiwari made it clear that this was not the end of his political journey. He reassured his supporters that his commitment to Maribyrnong and its residents remains unwavering.

“I will be back after this short break. There is still much to do and achieve for our city and community, and I am fully committed to the job,” he wrote.

Commitment to Community

Tiwari, known for his work on local development and community engagement, emphasized that stepping down was a matter of principle. He wanted to ensure that his personal legal battle did not interfere with the administration of the city.

He also pointed out the bigger issue at hand — racism in public life. By speaking openly about the abuse he received, Tiwari has sparked a wider debate about how migrant leaders are treated and the challenges they face while serving in public office.

Looking Ahead

Although he has temporarily resigned as mayor, Tiwari will continue as a Maribyrnong City Council member. His promise to return reflects not only his determination but also his belief that the city still has work that needs to be done under his leadership. The incident has become a reminder that even in multicultural societies, racism continues to surface in moments of controversy. For many residents of Maribyrnong, Tiwari’s resignation is not just about one leader stepping down but about the broader question of inclusivity and respect in Australian politics.