Kerala State Assembly Unanimous on NRI Voting Rights

Trivandrum, India, Jul. 16 2002 (INS News) -- The Kerala State Assembly unanimously passed a resolution urging the Government of India to amend the People's Representation Act to provide voting rights to non-resident Indians (NRIs) working abroad.

The State Assembly witnessed an unanimity on the issue came on a private member's resolution, moved by K.K.N. Khader, the Indian Union Muslim League leader. Khader had given notice for the resolution on June 28, but the debate had remained inconclusive on that day.

The debate was resumed in the House, with members from both sides actively participating and demanding voting rights for NRIs, a majority of whom were Keralites.

Mr.P.Sankaran, State Health Minister, who officiated for the Parliamentary Affairs Minister, M.M. Hassan, said that the Government was in full agreement with the sentiments expressed in the resolution. Among those who spoke were K. Mohammed Ali, Manjalikulam Ali, P.S. Supal, K.K. Shaju, Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, and Joseph M. Puthussery.

-- Sam Asharaf - South Asia Correspondent in Trivandrum, India
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