Delhi election 2024: 300+ Pakistani Hindus waiting for voter IDs

New Delhi: More than 300 Pakistani Hindus living in Delhi are yet to get their voter ID cards as the city readies for the Assembly elections. The delay in voter ID has prevented them from voting for the democratic process since they are eagerly waiting for this very important election of the country. Most of them have spent the better part of their lives in India, but now their political rights stand in jeopardy.

Obtaining Voter IDs

In most Pakistani Hindus, the voter ID has so far been a struggle. Though they are technically eligible for Indian citizenship by virtue of the CAA, many have not received their voting cards even as yet. Local authorities seem to blame bureaucratic delays and procedure hurdles for this lapse and leave the applicants high and dry.

Delay contributes negatively to people participating in the elections.

Since Delhi Assembly elections are knocking at the door, delay in getting their voter IDs is turning out to be a serious issue for these people. Most of the affected people are interested in exercising their franchise, and without voter IDs they cannot do so. In addition to being deprived of voting rights, there seems to be a question over their inclusion in the political scenario of the city.

Community Appeals for Swift Action

The grievance of Pakistani Hindus was placed by them before the concerned authority before the elections in Pakistan since the date of the election started approaching. Several of these members shared with the election authorities their grievances that the concerned elections officials should expedite these processes for voter ID cards on the grounds that further delays were depriving this community of this right. This would be managed in time before elections, and the opportunity would be given to them.