Elated by Indian citizenship over three hundred Pakistani refugees are to cast their first vote in India. Many of whom have been in India from more than a decade now, it’s a dream come true for them. While for many, citizenship is a still a distant dream. They are still waiting for the government to look at them with ease of documentation. But whom will they vote for? Certainly, BJP will benefit as they have been behind their entire transition from Pakistan to India.
At the resettlement colony of Delhi- Majnu Ka Tila, in make shift homes specially brought up in the narrow lanes several Pakistani Hindu refugees who ran away from Pakistan in fear of persecution, are all set to vote for the first time in India. Making them a part of the electoral process with a sense of pride. These Pakistani Hindus, who are now proud Indians are excited at the proposition of being part of the democratic process. A fundamental right for all Indians by virtue of the constitution.
“It is to be noted that there are around 300 Pakistani Hindus will be voting in the Delhi assembly elections this time who have been granted Indian citizenship in 2024 under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) 2019. All these people have applied for voter ID cards ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections.”
Under this new law, the government granted citizenship to this group in May this year. After a wait of 10 years, they have managed to get in to the democratic process. Moreover, their views reflect their inclination towards BJP as a thanks giving gesture for giving them a smooth passage into India and establishing their Indian Identities. They say, equivocally, that the consolidated vote will go the party or person whom the Pradhan will decide. So, it’s a clear and consolidated package for BJP at least this time.
After going through years of hardships firstly in Pakistan where suppressive elements have always zeroed in on the minority community, and secondly after coming to India for documentation and other related work which were essential. For most of them more than voting, they are contended with the fact that they are now being identified by the Union of India as their own sons and daughters. A dream of dignified life and participation comes true.
With a family of 17 members, middle aged Janaki has been living at the resettlement colony for more than a decade. This is the first time when she will be voting to elect the state government. She clearly states that for them, ‘Viksit Bharat’ is what they would be voting for. Clearing the air on which election symbol she would be casting her vote. Among the seventeen family members only eight have been lucky enough to clear the hurdles and become Indian citizens guarded with voter cards.
“Others are still in the process of completing the formalities required for citizenship. She thanks the BJP led government for speeding the citizenship process and helping te family for making ration cards. Janaki says: “He gave us citizenship and helped us for ration cards. We are grateful, but we also want space to live and opportunities for our children to grow.”
Moreover, she is not alone. Many of the Pakistani Hindus who are now citizens of India aspire for They want better housing, access to quality education, affordable utilities and job opportunities.
Another new ‘Indian’ Shiviram, who arrived just a month ago, is hopeful about his future in India. He wants to be a tailor in which he excels. “I want to stay here and work as a tailor. I have applied for a visa extension and I hope to get an Aadhaar card soon. That will open many opportunities for me in India,” he says.
For many of these refugees, their votes will reflect collective decisions, often guided by their community leader, which makes it amply clear that the voting will be en-masse and tilted towards one party. And in this case, as a thanking gesture for giving citizenship, it will be going to the BJP candidate. At least for the first time when they are voting.
“This year, issues like water, electricity, better living condition or education does not matter to these voters. Turning a blind eye towards the developmental processes initiated in Delhi or the nation. The Pakistani Hindus are more interested to give a ‘vote of thanks’ to the BJP as a return gift gesture for allowing them a passage to India and giving them shelter over their heads.”
For women like Baldevi, voting is just not empowering them but also addresses the challenges being faced by her community. “We don’t want much, just a dignified life and a chance for our children to build a better future,” says Maya, another citizenship aspirant and waiting for her voter ID to arrive. “We have been living here for over a decade and want the government to build permanent homes for us. This area is familiar. We have built our lives here. Moving elsewhere would mean starting from scratch,” she said.
A new group of Pakistani Hindu refugees has recently arrived while some residents are gearing up to vote, facing uncertainty and hardships as they await citizenship.
Running a small mobile phone outlet in the area, Satram, has been living in the refugee colony since 2013. He will be one of the first voters in Delhi elections from the lot. He says: “It feels good to finally be a part of the voting population. My parents and I will vote as per our Pradhan’s instruction. Despite the challenges, we believe we can manage and move forward.”
“Though they have got citizenship while more are in the offing, their struggle for a happy life here are far from over. Their life will be a delicate balance between survival and hope. Despite leaving Pakistan, issues such as sanitation, electricity costs, education and housing will be an integral part of their concern. Education too will be a important aspect when they face the real India after attaining citizenship.”
Another young girl Mohini, a drop out from school due to financial issues, shared her part of the story amidst aspirations for a better future ahead. “I always wanted to become a police officer but that dream seems impossible now. All I expect from the government is some skill-based opportunities so that I can earn a living with dignity,” she said.
According to a report, Radha is among the 300 Pakistani Hindus who have recently been granted Indian citizenship under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) 2019. All these people have applied for voter ID cards ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections. Under this new law, the government granted citizenship to this group in May this year.
“Radha said that I got the citizenship certificate earlier this year. We have recently applied for voter ID card. This will be the first time I will vote like a true Indian. I hope that whichever government comes to power will allow us to stay here and support us.”
Basti (Resettlement Camp) Pradhan Dharamveer Solanki said that 217 families live in the camp, whose total number is about 1000. Solanki came to Delhi from Sindh, Pakistan on a religious visa in 2013 along with many other Hindu families. He said that 300 of these people have applied for voter ID card. While more are in the list of applicants. They also have Aadhar cards and we hope to get ration cards soon.
50-year-old Puran, who came to Delhi in 2013, said that in Pakistan we were farmers. We fled from there to escape oppression. Here we are happy, but there is a shortage of land for farming. If the government gives us land on lease on the banks of Yamuna, we can grow anything and feed our families. Puran has two wives and 21 children. 20 of them are married and he wants to secure land for farming.