Ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, several candidates or their poll managers from constituencies in northern Kerala are embarking on visits to Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, especially the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Some have already paid their visit and returned. Their aim is to renew support from expatriates, both in terms of votes and funds, as the clout wielded by the community can sway the election outcome, a fact that political parties are keenly aware of.
“Expatriates’ votes could be a determining factor in polls in at least five constituencies — Malappuram, Kasaragod, Kollam, Vadakara, and Thrissur,” said Attakoya Pallikkandy, chairman of the Pravasi Development, Rehabilitation and Welfare Centre based in Kozhikode.
The Malayali diaspora from Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, and Ernakulam districts are mostly settled in the U.S., Canada, Australia, or the U.K. and rarely return to their homeland. On the other hand, those working in the GCC are closer to their roots.
