Monday, January 22, 2007: The elections to the 117-member state assembly in Punjab cross the boundaries of the state. With a sizeable Punjabi presence in the UK, USA, Europe and south Asia, the influence of this non resident population on elections to the state legislative assembly is considerable.

The state assembly elections are due on February 13 this year, and party officials estimate over $1billion to pour in from overseas for the campaigning. Patronised by all political parties, these NRIs are an integral part of every election process in the state, be it the village panchayat or the parliament. This link helps maintain their bonds with India, apart from getting small favors like having their disputes and police cases settled, bagging contracts and securing land deals.

The NRIs are already here for the big battle between the ruling Congress and the Akali Dal-BJP combine. The districts of Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Nawashahr and Kapurthala see the largest NRI presence from the US, Canada, Britain and Europe during election time. All political parties in the state – the Congress, the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Akali Dal have overseas units in these countries which maintain a regular link with the diaspora. Well wishers of election candidates campaign exhaustively for their friends. Prakash Singh Badal, veteran president of the Akali Dal reassured NRIs rewards in return for their support at a function held exclusively for them in Jalandhar.

With so much active participation in the elections, the NRI has however, a remorse – that they are not allowed to contest the election!