The German parliamentary elections are set to take place on February 23, 2025. This election will make history with Siddharth Mudgal, the first India-born and Indian-origin person running for a Member of Parliament position on the ticket of the Christian Social Union (CSU), the ruling party of Bavaria. If elected, Mudgal will also be the first India-born person to serve in the Bundestag (German Parliament) as a member of the CSU/CDU alliance, a powerful force in German politics.

A remarkable journey from Jaipur to Germany

Siddharth Mudgal, originally from Jaipur, India, has lived in Germany for 21 years. His journey is inspiring—starting as a dishwasher in a restaurant and rising to leadership roles in major global companies like Amazon, BMW, and Airbus.

Reflecting on his journey, Mudgal shared:
"Germany is my home, and I am deeply committed to serving it. My story isn’t just mine—it’s the story of countless migrants who contribute to this country’s prosperity."

He became a German citizen in 2010 and has since contributed significantly to German society. His achievements were recognised when Bavarian Home Minister Joachim Herrmann granted him early citizenship, and in 2017, President Joachim Gauck honoured him for his community work.

Advocating for integration and progress

Mudgal believes the Indian community in Germany is one of the most well-integrated and highly skilled immigrant groups. Speaking about the Indian diaspora, he said:
"The Indian diaspora in Germany doesn’t struggle with integration. They are among the most educated, skilled, and well-assimilated immigrant groups, contributing significantly to the German economy and society."

There are approximately 300,000 Indian passport holders and people of Indian origin living in Germany today. Mudgal highlights their contributions to critical sectors like IT, healthcare, and engineering. If elected, he plans to advocate for initiatives like national tech hubs and tax incentives for startups to boost innovation and economic growth.

Plans to strengthen Indo-German relations

Mudgal sees India as a vital partner for Germany. He stated:
"India is an unstoppable global powerhouse—home to 1.4 billion consumers and a rising titan in innovation, digital transformation, and renewable energy."

To strengthen ties between the two nations, he proposes the following steps:

  1. Technology collaboration: Partnering with India on green energy and AI development.
  2. Trade expansion: simplifying processes for businesses and aiming for €10 billion in investments in Germany.
  3. Educational exchange: Increasing scholarships and student programs to build long-term relationships.

Mudgal also supports the establishment of a German-Indian Cultural Centre to deepen cultural ties and foster understanding. He said:
"Integration isn’t about erasing identities—it’s about mutual respect and building a shared future."

He advocates for creating spiritual spaces, such as temples, as he believes they are essential for mental well-being and community cohesion, especially for those far from their homeland. However, he clarified that he has not promised to build a temple himself but supports initiatives that benefit the community.

Addressing challenges facing Germany

Mudgal is concerned about Germany’s economic stagnation, rising unemployment, and bureaucratic inefficiencies. He said:
"Germany is in a state of emergency. The economy is stagnating, unemployment is climbing, and our global competitiveness is being suffocated by layers of bureaucracy."

If elected, his priorities include:

  1. Revitalising the economy: reducing taxes, cutting red tape, and promoting investments in tech hubs.
  2. Digital leadership: achieving 100% 5G coverage by 2027 and creating a paperless government by 2028.
  3. Fair migration policies: introducing fast-tracked visas for critical sectors and focusing on training domestic talent.

While Mudgal is proud of his Indian roots, he emphasises that his role as a Member of Parliament will be to represent all residents of Germany. He explained:
"My role as a Member of Parliament will not be limited to representing Indians but all residents of Germany. It’s about amplifying the success story of the Indian diaspora as a blueprint for integration and mutual growth."

Mudgal believes Germany needs technocratic leaders who focus on practical solutions. Drawing from his experience in business transformation, he is determined to bring a pragmatic approach to politics. He said:
"This isn’t about me—it’s about ensuring Germany doesn’t crumble under the weight of its own inefficiencies by creating policies leading to tangible improvements in people’s lives."

His candidacy represents hope for a more innovative and united Germany. As he pointed out:
"Germany needs leaders who act decisively and embrace bold solutions. My candidacy is about building bridges—between nations, communities, and industries."

With a vision for economic growth, cultural integration, and technological advancement, Siddharth Mudgal aims to bring a fresh perspective to German politics, paving the way for a stronger and more inclusive Germany.