As the deadline for filing nominations for sarpanches and panches looms just two days away, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) are increasingly asserting their influence in local panchayat elections across various regions. This surge in participation highlights the significant role that overseas Indians are playing in shaping grassroots politics back home.
Political heavyweights from different parties are actively backing their preferred candidates, irrespective of party lines, in a strategic move to lay the groundwork for their future bids for Assembly or Parliamentary seats. Some NRIs are even contemplating contesting the sarpanch position themselves or promoting family members to secure these pivotal roles within the community.
Kamal Dhaliwal, President of the Indian Overseas Congress UK, revealed that he and his fellow NRIs from Canada and the United States have traveled to India with a clear mission: to support party activists contesting in the panchayat elections within the Amargarh segment of Malerkotla. “Although we were informed that candidates cannot officially run under a party banner, our presence aims to ensure that those loyal to our party secure victories by substantial margins,” Dhaliwal stated, expressing optimism following productive meetings with local villagers.
Echoing Dhaliwal’s sentiments, Harjinder Singh Kaka, former chairman of the Ahmedgarh Market Committee, noted that NRIs from nearly every village are deeply involved in the electoral campaigns of their native areas. “During our visits to numerous villages in the Amargarh and Malerkotla constituencies, we observed that most candidates for the sarpanch role have relatives or friends residing abroad. Some NRIs are actively mobilizing voters through phone calls, while others provide crucial financial backing,” Kaka explained.
The active engagement of NRIs is not limited to support roles. Nirbhai Singh Nathumajra shared that he had to adjust his schedule to visit his ancestral village with the aim of addressing concerns related to the formation of the panchayat. This hands-on approach underscores the commitment of overseas Indians to local governance and community development.
Zora Singh Cheema, a leader from the Bahujan Samaj Party, highlighted the enthusiasm among NRIs regarding the establishment of panchayats in the region. “Many NRIs are taking short trips to their villages specifically to support their chosen candidates. For instance, Lovely Kumar, an NRI, has come to assist my close associate and well-known commentator Gaurav Jindal,” Cheema added.
The involvement of NRIs in these elections signifies a broader trend of global engagement in Indian local politics. Their contributions, whether through mobilizing voters or providing financial resources, are proving instrumental in determining the outcomes of these crucial elections. As the nomination deadline approaches, the eyes of both local residents and political analysts are keenly watching how this overseas support will shape the future leadership of their villages.
With the panchayat elections set to play a vital role in the decentralized governance of India, the active participation of NRIs marks a pivotal moment in bridging diaspora efforts with grassroots political dynamics. The coming days will reveal the extent of their impact on the electoral landscape and the long-term implications for India’s political framework.
