THIS wave of NRI participation in Punjab’s rural elections reflects a growing trend of overseas citizens seeking to shape local governance
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Many view this involvement as an opportunity to strengthen their political influence and potentially lay the groundwork for future elections at the Assembly or Parliamentary level
With the deadline for filing nominations for sarpanches and panches in Punjab’s upcoming panchayat elections fast approaching, NRIs (Non-Resident Indians) are increasingly making their presence felt in their respective villages. These overseas citizens, many of whom have strong ties to their home regions, have been actively engaging in the electoral process, influencing campaigns and supporting candidates.
NRIs from countries like Canada, the US, and the UK are stepping up to provide not only moral but also financial support to their preferred candidates. Indian Overseas Congress UK President Kamal Dhaliwal, who is currently in India, has openly acknowledged his efforts in supporting party candidates contesting elections in the Amargarh and Malerkotla constituencies. Dhaliwal emphasized that, despite the non-partisan nature of panchayat elections, his objective remains to ensure a strong win for those aligned with his political views.
Overseas citizens, many of whom have strong ties to their home regions, have been actively engaging in the electoral process, influencing campaigns and supporting candidates
“We are here to secure victories for candidates who share our political ideals,” Dhaliwal stated, expressing satisfaction with his interactions with local residents during his visit.
Former chairman of the Ahmedgarh Market Committee, Harjinder Singh Kaka, also observed that NRIs from nearly every village have been actively involved in the election campaigns. Their contributions vary from mobilizing voters through phone calls to offering financial assistance to candidates. Kaka highlighted the significance of NRI involvement, which he believes has energized the electoral scene in rural areas.
Nirbhai Singh Nathumajra, another prominent NRI, has even rescheduled his plans to visit his ancestral village, where he aims to discuss critical issues surrounding the upcoming panchayat formation. Similarly, Bahujan Samaj Party leader Zora Singh Cheema remarked on the increasing interest NRIs have shown in the constitution of local panchayats.
He noted that several NRIs, like Lovely Kumar, are personally visiting their villages to extend support to candidates, such as the well-known commentator Gaurav Jindal.
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