BANGALORE: The 2014 general elections was a big turnaround not only for domestic residents but even for NRIs who played a major role in getting the Indian community together and creating big campaigns. But having done all that, the NRIs were surely disappointed since they didn’t get an opportunity to cast their ballots, but that may soon be a reality with the government assuring the NRI community that it is working on providing them voting rights, reports TNN.

With the government gearing up for the annual Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas, which will begin from January 7 has a special significance this year as it will also commemorate the centenary of Mahatma Gandhi's return from South Africa.

Although, in 2010, Parliament had passed the Representation of People Amendment Bill to allow NRIs to vote in Indian elections, it somehow didn’t take its course but with an estimated 11 million NRIs living across various countries, this amendment will be a plus.

Following this, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said, "EC is working on it, there are two suggestions - proxy voting or Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) be kept in embassies or they may come and vote. They will soon come up with a solution."

The 13th edition of the three-day PBD event, will also see around 3,000 delegates from the Diaspora community from across the world, who are likely to participate in the event, which is being organized by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs along with Gujarat Government.
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