New Delhi, December 30, 2024 — A major development with the refugee population of the Indian city is unfolding ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections.
Over 300 Pakistani Hindu refugees, recently granted citizens of India, are now in the midst of getting voter identification cards to exercise their rights in these elections, for the first time in their adopted homeland.
Refugees Finding Their Way to Citizenry
Many fled religious persecution in Pakistan over a decade ago and were seeking asylum in India. Citizenship through the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, which came out in 2019, speeded up the provision of citizenship for non-Muslim refugees from neighboring countries.
By May 2024, a substantial number of these refugees had received certificates of citizenship and had thus made a significant shift from statelessness to a formally recognized citizenry in India.
The Importance of Being Eligible to Vote
For the new citizens, obtaining the voter ID card is more than a bureaucratic process; it is a symbol of acceptance into Indian society and the empowerment to change the fate of their new homeland.
An 18-year-old who had fled Pakistan at the age of four said, “I hope that the new government will support us and will let us stay here.” There is a community eager to have all its share in democracy and yet have a say in it.
The Confounding Difficulties and Hope
Despite having become citizens, the community continues to experience discrimination regarding land, housing, and employment. Many dwell in camps, with almost no access to water, power, and all the other basic amenities.
Puran, who lives in a camp, shot straight; “If only the government would lease us land, we could provide for our families.” That sense of self-reliance shows how actively the community hopes to be able to build a life anew in their adopted land.
Electoral Preparations in Delhi
The Chief Electoral Office (CEO) of Delhi has been actively updating the electoral rolls in preparation for the upcoming elections. Since November 29, 2024, the office has received approximately 485,624 applications for new voter registrations, including those from newly naturalized citizens.
Additionally, there have been 82,450 applications for deletions and 171,385 for modifications, indicating a dynamic and responsive approach to maintaining accurate voter records.
The final electoral roll is scheduled for publication on January 6, 2025, ensuring that all eligible voters, including the new citizens, are enfranchised.
Political and Social Implications
The inclusion of Pakistani Hindu refugees in the electoral process carries significant political and social implications. Their participation not only broadens the voter base but also brings attention to issues pertinent to refugee communities, such as integration policies, access to resources, and long-term rehabilitation.
Political parties may need to address these concerns in their platforms, acknowledging the evolving demographics of the electorate.
A Milestone in Integration
The forthcoming Delhi Assembly elections represent a milestone for these former refugees. Casting their votes will be a testament to their resilience and the success of India’s inclusive policies.
As they prepare to exercise their democratic rights, the community embodies the spirit of hope and renewal, looking forward to a future where they are fully integrated and active participants in the nation’s democratic fabric.
