'You cannot categorise people as unpatriotic because they are outside the country.'
Poonam Mahajan, the Bharatiya Janata Party Member of Parliament from the Mumbai North Central constituency, is bringing a private member bill which -- if passed -- will give eight seats to Non-Resident Indians in the Lok Sabha.
Mahajan, the late BJP leader Pramod Mahajan's daughter, tells Syed Firdaus Ashraf/Rediff.com why she believes that NRIs joining Parliament will strengthen democracy.
How did you come up with the idea to seek eight nominated seats for NRIs in the Lok Sabha?
When I contested the elections, I had a team of NRIs who had taken three months off to come and work for me. They had come to be a part of India's political system, this had never happened before.
They didn't just come to vote, but to volunteer and give back (to society). They volunteered not just in my constituency, but in their areas as well.
We have such a big Diaspora and they want to connect. They are as patriotic as we are.
So I felt why not give them representation? I spoke extensively to intellectuals whenever I was abroad. They really want to contribute.
So this bill needs to be discussed. I felt it only needs a Constitutional amendment to connect with the People's Representation Act.
Why nominate only eight NRI MPs?
It represents eight regions... like North America, South America and the Gulf. I cannot give the details because the bill has not been tabled yet.
Who will elect these NRIs?
It is a three-page private member bill which will be tabled on Friday. Only then can I share a copy with you.
I think the bill will be discussed in the next session or the one after that. When that happens, for people to support it, I can say a lot of other things on what I have to say.
What has been the response of your party, the BJP?
A private member bill usually has the party's support. I did speak to few people in my party, they really welcomed the move.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been to many countries in the last one-and-a-half years to connect with the Diaspora. They are our own people. There are many intellectuals who want to come back and contribute. Why not?
We have a lot of elected representatives from the tribal areas. We have certain constituencies for scheduled tribes and scheduled castes. Why not have the same for the Diaspora, who want to connect with India and give their best?
Yes, the party is quite okay with it.
Is this applicable for Indian passport holders or Persons of Indian Origin as well?
Right now, it is about Indian passport holders who have been outside the country for 180 days.
You cited the example of the nominations for the Anglo-Indian community to pitch for NRIs' selection to Parliament.
I gave the example because we already have two members of the Anglo-Indian community in the Lok Sabha selected by the President of India. So why not select eight Diaspora members too from eight different regions?
Many people feel people who leave our country are not loyal to the nation. So why give them a chance to be in Parliament?
There are a lot of people in all our families who are abroad. They are NRIs. There are a lot of reasons connected to it. You cannot say they are not a part of this country.
I have seen many NRIs contributing to their villages. They want to do something. Whatever they earn, they give back.
You cannot categorise people as unpatriotic because they are outside the country. That is really unfair.
In France, they have elected representatives who are not from that country, but are citizens. Why are we cutting off our own people?
But they do say goodbye to our motherland...
That is what I explained. The people I met, they wanted to contribute. I am not putting this politically, but the way the country -- in Prime Minister Modi's leadership -- is trying to emerge and show its strength. The hopes are getting higher and higher. They (the NRIs) also give back. So why don't we come together and be a strong power?
Like Google CEO Sundar Pichai?
Sundar Pichai is a very big example. I can give you tiny examples too.
People living in my constituency, Bandra, Vile Parle and so many places contribute to schools, colleges and so many places. There are so many small little heroes who give back.
I have so many friends doing that.
(Microsoft CEO) Satya Nadella is a big example that you can write about.
But why do you need NRIs to enter Parliament for that?
What I am trying to tell you is that they can come and place issues concerning the Diaspora with the external affairs ministry and also on the floor of the House.
You also gave the example of how Mahatma Gandhi came back to India for the freedom movement. How can you compare NRIs with him? What will they come back and fight for?
It is not about fighting only. You see he (Mahatma Gandhi) came to fight the British, but he wanted the country to prosper.
He wanted to move the country forward. The aim was not freedom, but how to prosper the country./p>
Don't you think these NRI appointments will be political?
I am not saying the Leader of the Opposition or leader of the ruling party should do it. It should be done by the President of India.
Will these NRIs be loyal more to the country where they are settled or to India? That can be questioned by the citizens of those countries where these NRIs are settled.
I don't want to hold a tarazzu (weighing scale) and mark people on who is more patriotic -- those here or outside India. I believe everyone is a patriot. It is not about loyalty.
NRIs, who have an Indian passport, have every right to come back and they are working towards it. I don't think we should be categorising them as lesser patriotic or more patriotic. I find that really absurd.
