Non-resident Indians (NRIs) will now have a right to vote in elections, with Parliament passing the relevant bill, even as government promised to bring in comprehensive electoral reforms legislation soon
This is a long overdue legislation. But I am afraid this is not going to benefit us much. As per the thinking, currently prevalent, we can register as voters in the constituency in India in which our passport address falls (what about those who have, say, a Kuwaiti address in the passport?). This means we have to fly down to India to vote. Unless and until they allow us to vote in the Indian embassies (which could be a logistical nightmare - imagine making arrangements to handle half a million voters? and again who do they vote for?).
It is also categorically mentioned in the parliament that NRI's will not be allowed to contest in the elections. This is manifestly unfair. If I have the voting right, I should have the right to contest the elections too.
The need of the hour is to provide for NRI constituencies based on the NRI population - for example: Kuwait, Saudi and Bahrain can be one constituency, UAE, Oman, Qatar - another. This way we will have NRI MP's who will be in a better position to air the problems of the NRIs, who contribute so much for the country.
But will anyone listen?
