Thousands of overseas Nepalis return home to vote with hope for change

Dhangadhi: Thousands of Nepalis working in India have begun returning home ahead of the House of Representatives elections scheduled for 21 Falgun, expressing hope that the country’s situation will improve after the polls. With one and a half weeks remaining before the election, large numbers of returnees are arriving daily through the Trinagar and Gaddachauki border checkpoints in Dhangadhi and Kanchanpur. Most say they are driven by the hope of securing employment opportunities at home and avoiding separation from their families.

According to security personnel stationed at the border, around 2,000 Nepalis are entering the country daily through the Trinagar checkpoint. Many are employed in various Indian cities and have taken short leave specifically to cast their votes. They have expressed optimism that the elections will bring positive change, noting that the political environment shifted after the people’s movement last Bhadra.

Vikram BK of Phulbari, Dhangadhi Sub-metropolitan City-14, who had been working as a cook in a hotel in Mumbai, returned home after a year. While he plans to return to work after the election, he said that voting has given him the opportunity to reunite with his family. Similarly, Prem Bohara of Kailali, employed in Kerala, has also come home on leave to participate in the election, expressing hope for improvement in the country’s conditions.

Sunil Bohara, 22, from Bajhang, who has been working in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, for the past seven years, said he had to leave school at a young age due to poverty. This time, he said he intends to vote for a capable candidate rather than along party lines. “Young people like us should not have to go abroad for ordinary work,” he said.

Jhumakant Dhungana from Achham has also returned home after 20 months working as a security guard in Pune. Around 20 youths from his village have traveled back with him to vote. “Even if the salary is low, there should be work available in our own country,” he said.

Following the surge in returnees, the Ministry of Home Affairs has directed the Armed Police Force to facilitate smooth border movement. Border authorities have stated that arrangements have been made to ensure ease of travel at the checkpoints. Meanwhile, 100 to 150 Nepalis continue to cross into India daily through the same border in search of employment.

Far West Province has higher poverty and unemployment rates compared to other provinces. According to statistics, the province’s poverty rate stands at 34.12 percent, compared to the national average of 20.27 percent. However, the government does not have precise data on the number of Nepalis working in India.

Despite repeated electoral commitments to reduce poverty and generate employment, many continue to leave the country for work. Nevertheless, overseas Nepalis are returning home to exercise their right to vote, hopeful that this election will bring meaningful change.