In a first, Indian-origin Sameer Pandey becomes Sydney's Lord Mayor
What's the story
Indian-origin councilor Sameer Pandey has been elected as the new Lord Mayor by the City of Parramatta Council in Sydney, Australia, on Monday (local time). His election to the position coincided with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day visit to the country at the invitation of his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese. Notably, Pandey is the city's first Lord Mayor of Indian origin.
Twitter Post
Check out City of Parramatta Council's official statement
City of Parramatta Council tonight elected Councillor Sameer Pandey as its new Lord Mayor.
— City of Parramatta (@parracity) May 22, 2023
“The City of Parramatta is the geographical heart of Greater Sydney and a major economic powerhouse as well as the best place in Sydney to live,” Cr Pandey said.https://t.co/jGw92y6dq5 pic.twitter.com/PvviPfs5sq
Details
Pandey is small business owner with background in IT
According to an official statement, Pandey was first elected to the council in 2017. In 2022, he became the city's first Deputy Lord Mayor from the Indian subcontinent. The statement further said councilor Donna Davis stepped down from the role following her election as the State Member for Parramatta. Reportedly, Pandey is a small business owner with a background in information technology (IT).