MANMOHAN DHAR
In a democracy, the power to elect representatives stems from the people, and in the case of India, that power is vested exclusively in its citizens. The idea that “Only Indians will vote in India ” is not merely a political slogan, it is a reaffirmation of India’s constitutional principles, national sovereignty, and democratic integrity.
Indian Constitution clearly states that elections to the House of the People (Lok Sabha) and to the Legislative Assemblies of States shall be on the basis of adult right to vote. This right is extended only to citizens of India who are 18 years or older and not otherwise disqualified by law.
Non-citizens-be they tourists, refugees, illegal immigrants, or foreign workers-have no electoral rights in India. This is a foundational pillar of Indian democracy. It ensures that only those who are legally, culturally, and emotionally invested in the country’s future get to shape its political destiny.
Voting is more than just pressing a button or marking a ballot. It is a trust placed in citizens to shape the future of the nation. Allowing non-Indians to vote in India would not only be unconstitutional, but it would also risk diluting the national interest. Political decisions influenced by external interests could lead to unrest, policy distortions, and a weakening of the nation’s internal cohesion.
India’s complex socio-political structure, historical struggles, and regional diversity require its electorate to have a sense of belonging, understanding, and responsibility that only true citizens can possess.
Illegal Immigration is a serious and Silent Threat to Democratic Purity of India. There have been growing concerns over illegal immigrants acquiring forged documents to obtain voter IDs and cast votes. Such practices, if unchecked, amount to electoral fraud. It is imperative that electoral rolls be rigorously verified, and the Election Commission of India must stay vigilant and intervene from time to time in order to safeguard the righteousness of the constitutional right to participate in Nation building.
The recent push for linking Aadhaar with voter ID is a step in this direction-aimed at cleansing the voting process of fraudulent entries.
Protecting the Indian voter list is not about exclusion-it is about preservation. Preserving the voice of legitimate citizens is the only way to protect the legitimacy of our democracy.
Another concerning question arises about the Indian diaspora-should they vote? The law allows Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) to vote, but only if they retain their Indian citizenship. The moment an Indian takes foreign citizenship, they forfeit their voting rights under Indian law. Dual citizenship is not permitted in India, which makes this rule even more clear-cut: no foreign passport holder, even of Indian origin, can vote in Indian elections.
Voting is a Right, and a Responsibility but only for Indians. The integrity of any nation lies in its ability to preserve its democratic mechanisms. India, as the world’s largest democracy, cannot afford to allow any ambiguity in this regard. The phrase , ” Only Indians will vote in India”is a legal fact, a constitutional guarantee, and a national safeguard.
To let non-Indians influence on Indian elections is to compromise the essence of Indian sovereignty and Integrity.
To uphold the spirit of the Republic of India every citizen must ensure that the right to vote remains sacred, secure, and solely in the hands of Indian citizens only.
Lastly it is not only that non Indians won’t vote, it also should develop a strong political resolve in the mind of every nationalist Indian that he or she has to exercise his or her right to vote for the well being of the country.