For the first time in Karnataka Assembly elections, 10 people from Kundapur, Udupi district have enrolled as Non-Resident Indian (NRI) electors by filing their information under Form-6a, which is meant for overseas Indian electors.
These NRIs will be casting their vote in Kundapur constituency, flying all the way from Gulf countries to India for executing their vote right.
It doesn’t mean that there are only 10 NRIs who would be voting, proclaimed by Election Commission and NRI Forum officials of Karnataka. “There are over 14 lakh NRIs residing in various parts of the world, but these 10 have identified themselves as NRIs and enrolled again,” said Arathi Krishna, Deputy Chairperson, NRI Forum, Karnataka.
Ramesh K N, Joint Chief Electoral Officer said, “Not many people are aware that they have to enroll themselves in a separate form. The amendment to include NRIs was introduced in 2015-16 and since then it is for the first time a list of ten has been prepared. The remaining NRIs are listed under the general category to cast their vote.”
Mohammed Sakib, 34, inhabitant of Abu Dabi, has planned his schedule in a way that he decide to get wedded and as well caste his vote. “I’m an Indian and it is my duty to vote. Besides, this is the first time I am going to vote. Earlier, even though I stayed in India I was unable to vote as I was always travelling. But, not anymore,” he said.
Suryasen A V, another Joint CEO explaining the process said, “There is no proxy voting provision for NRIs. They have to come down to vote.” Adding to this, an election official said, a proposal is pending before the centre to allow proxy voting or postal ballot system for NRIs.
By Sowmya
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