According to leaders of the KMCC, approximately 30,000 Malayalis have returned home to participate in the Lok Sabha elections
In a remarkable display of civic engagement, a significant number of Malayali expatriates working in the Arabian Gulf region have embarked on a journey back home to India to participate in the democratic process by casting their votes. Facilitated by the Kerala Muslim Cultural Committees (KMCC), the overseas cultural wing of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), these expatriates have organized special charter flights for the purpose of voting, as reported by The Hindu.
Dubbed as ‘vote flights,’ over a dozen flights have been arranged from countries like Saudi Arabia to enable Malayali expatriates to exercise their voting rights. Many have timed their visit to coincide with the extended Id-ul-Fitr vacation, while others, unable to secure leave for an extended period, are making a short trip solely for the purpose of voting.
According to leaders of the KMCC, approximately 30,000 Malayalis have returned home to participate in the Lok Sabha elections. Their return signifies not only the importance they place on their individual votes but also the collective influence they wield on other voters.
The collective return of Malayali expatriates to participate in the electoral process not only underscores their commitment to democracy but also reflects their concerns and aspirations for the future of India
This election season, the KMCC units in the Gulf region have been actively involved in the electoral campaign like never before. Aboobacker Arimbra, president of the Jeddah unit of KMCC, highlighted the growing disillusionment among expatriates towards the Indian government, particularly citing concerns over its policies under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Arimbra emphasized the need to salvage democracy, with the slogan, “India should win, and democracy should be salvaged.”
K.P. Mohammed Kutty, chief patron of the Saudi Arabia national unit of KMCC, echoed these sentiments, expressing disappointment over the lack of government support for expatriates, including issues related to pensions and travel facilities. He noted the absence of a dedicated ministry at the Centre to address expatriate concerns, which has fueled the desire among expatriates to express their grievances through voting.
Harnessing the extensive networks of KMCC wings and their members, the organization has reached out to tens of thousands of voters in Kerala and other states. With units like the one in Jeddah boasting 25,000 members alone, and significant representation in other major Gulf cities like Riyadh and Dhamam, the KMCC aims to canvass a substantial voter base, with plans to reach out to approximately 15 lakh voters.
The collective return of Malayali expatriates to participate in the electoral process not only underscores their commitment to democracy but also reflects their concerns and aspirations for the future of India.
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