Preparations for Punjab Assembly Elections 2027 are gradually gaining momentum. Political parties are making continued efforts to connect with the state’s influential Non-Resident Indian (NRI) community. NRI Affairs Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh assured the overseas Punjabis during the ‘NRI Meet-2026’ program in Mohali that the government is committed to resolve their grievances in a transparent, fair and time-bound manner. Along with this, other political parties are also working with influential people of this community and trying to win them over to their side. NRIs do not live in Punjab and most of them do not even come to vote, then why are they so important in Punjab politics? This question is in everyone’s mind.
The number of NRIs in Punjab is not much compared to voters, but their role is considered very important during elections. Political parties believe that Punjabis living abroad can influence the electoral environment through their family, relatives and social connections. This is the reason why almost all the major parties maintain constant contact with the NRI community before the elections.
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How to make an impact?
NRIs are not a big vote bank in Punjab, but their political influence goes far beyond voting. According to NDTV report, the influence of NRIs is not considered limited to voting only. Many Punjabis living abroad remain in touch with their families. Apart from this, their role is also considered important for reasons like social identity, economic support and help in election campaign. This is the reason why before elections, political parties try to increase their presence among the NRI community.
Political parties in Doaba, Majha and Malwa regions know that the opinions of family members settled abroad influence voting decisions at home. Overseas Punjabis keep a keen eye on the events of their native villages and areas and play the role of opinion makers in the family and social networks. At the time of elections, these opinion makers play an important role in creating an atmosphere in favor or against any party.
Aam Aadmi Party got support
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) initially formed the government in Delhi and after this the party expanded the organization in Punjab. When the party contested its first assembly elections in 2017, the influence of the diaspora was clearly visible. In the 2017 and 2022 assembly elections, NRIs had given active support to AAP through campaigning, fundraising and digital mobilization. This strengthened AAP’s image as an alternative to traditional political forces.
However, the support of Punjabis living abroad is not limited to any one party. Congress has been getting support from families connected to foreign countries for a long time. Shiromani Akali Dal has influence in sections associated with Sikh religious institutions and sectarian politics. Akali Dal has been getting a lot of support from countries like Canada.
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Increased activity before the upcoming elections
The government and political parties have often been organizing meetings, programs and dialogues with the NRI community ahead of elections in Punjab. In this series, this time also NRI Meet-2026 was organized, in which solutions to the complaints of Punjabis living abroad and issues related to them were discussed. According to the report of ‘The Tribune’, earlier before the elections, there was an initiative to meet NRIs on a large scale and take feedback from NRIs. However, such programs are now less visible than before.
Due to gangster and extortion related issues in recent years, many NRIs themselves avoid being very active in public. Many people want to keep their businesses and establishments away from unnecessary discussion. However, he plays a role in setting the election narrative.
A large number of family members from Punjab live abroad. In such a situation, NRIs remain constantly connected with their villages, cities and families. Keeping this contact in mind, political parties also try to convey their message among them before the elections. NRI issues have been a topic of discussion many times in Punjab. NRI Affairs Minister Dr Ravjot Singh said that the government is committed to resolving the grievances of Punjabis living abroad in a transparent, fair and time bound manner. NRI community can play an important role in the upcoming Punjab Assembly elections.
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