Should NRI be given political rights?

There are over 22 million Indians living outside India.They can be an important lobby to advocate Indian causes in the country of their residence. They can influence the government of the nation where they live. In return the government of India is extending them many concessions like purchase of property, admissions to Indian educational institutions, investment in India.

The BJP government is thinking of conferring political rights such as voting in elections etc on these NRIs. Yashawant Sinha said that whether dual citizenship is to be given to these Pravasis or political rights extended to them or not "is an issue which has to be widely debated in the country. Should NRI voting in elections favour such a decision?

  • Before we consider permitting the NRIs to vote, let us first make it easier to vote for the NRIs from abroad. NRIs are also to be given the VIC to enable them to vote in their constituency by Internet or by some other easier way. The need is to enable and not create obstacles in voting.

  • There are stronger and fundamental reasons not to permit NRIs the right to vote. If NRIs can vote, can we prohibit them from forming a political party of their own to contest elections? If NRIs can vote, why can't they be given the right to hold public office?

  • By giving NRIs voting rights does it may pose national security threat to India.

  • Is it possible that other Countries send a coalition of NRIs Political parties to rule India without taking recourse to conquering India.

It is true that NRCs invest far more in China than PIOs invest in India. We must remember that the rest of the world also invests far more in China than it does in India.

 

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