Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi(DC)

Udupi, Apr 10: As the crucial Lok Sabha polls are days away, many non-resident Indians (NRIs) from the coastal region are expected to come to their native places to cast their votes.

The number of people from coast who are working abroad is much higher as compared to other regions of the state. Political parties too are sharpening their political messaging to woo the NRI community.

Though voting percentage of NRI community remains quite dismal, this time the numbers are expected to increase as district administration too is creating awareness to get them registered in the voters list.

The election commission has directed the NRIs to fill in Form 6A which is the only prerequisite for them. But in 2018, only 10 NRIs registered their names in the list despite district administration making special efforts in this regard.

Though number of NRIs is more in Udupi, Manipal and Mangaluru region, it is not affordable for some families to spend thousands of hard-earned money just to cast their votes. Most of them, who have gone abroad, hail from middle-class families, especially those working as drivers, salesmen and housekeepers. Most of the NRIs opine that they can afford to come down to their natives places if they could attend some of the family functions at the same time.