Although overseas Punjabis form a limited voting bloc, their financial, social and political influence is expected to play a key role in the Assembly elections
Political parties in Punjab have begun intensifying efforts to engage the state’s influential Non-Resident Indian (NRI) community as preparations gather pace for the 2027 Assembly elections, recognising the diaspora’s ability to shape public opinion well before voting begins.
The latest outreach came during the ‘NRI Milni-2026’ programme in Mohali, where Punjab’s NRI Affairs Minister, Dr Ravjot Singh, assured overseas Punjabis that the state government would address their grievances through a transparent, fair and time-bound system. The initiative reflects a broader political push to strengthen ties with Punjabis living abroad.
While NRIs account for only a small proportion of eligible voters in Punjab, political analysts say their influence extends far beyond the ballot box. Through remittances, close family links, community standing and support for election campaigns, overseas Punjabis often play an important role in shaping voting preferences in their home constituencies.
The impact is particularly significant in regions such as Doaba, Majha and Malwa, where many families have relatives settled overseas. Political parties believe that opinions shared by family members abroad frequently influence electoral choices made by voters back home.
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The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) benefited from strong diaspora support during the 2017 and 2022 Assembly elections, with overseas Punjabis contributing through fundraising
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campaigning and digital mobilisation. However, support among the diaspora is not confined to a single political party
The Congress continues to enjoy backing from families with long-standing political loyalties, while the Shiromani Akali Dal retains support among sections connected with Sikh religious institutions and Panthic politics. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has also expanded its engagement with overseas Punjabis through dedicated outreach initiatives as it seeks to strengthen its presence in the state.
With Punjab expected to vote in early 2027, competition for diaspora support is likely to intensify. For political parties, NRIs represent more than a source of donations or visibility—they remain influential opinion-makers whose networks and connections can shape the political narrative months before voters cast their ballots.
