Diaspora (Commonwealth Union) _ As the NRI Sabha Punjab gears up for its impending president election, the campaign fervor intensifies with three candidates vying for the coveted position. The NRI Sabha Punjab, a state government agency dedicated to the welfare of the state’s expatriates, becomes the focal point for a closely contested race.
Among the contenders are two familiar faces, Kamaljit Hayre and Jasvir Gill, who face formidable competition from the first-time candidate, Parvinder Kaur Banga. Notably, Banga emerges as the first woman contestant in the organization and reportedly enjoys the support of some AAP leaders, adding a unique dimension to the electoral dynamics.
Banga, a Melbourne resident with a 20-year stint abroad, champions the cause of reverse migration to Punjab. Her campaign emphasizes a return to one’s roots, advocating for increased connectivity to native places. Setting up a health unit in her hometown, Hoshiarpur, she positions herself as a candidate committed to revitalizing local communities. Banga pledges to collaborate with the Punjab Government to implement policies that reignite interest and encourage investments, reminiscent of the flourishing period in the 1990s and early 2000s.
However, her rivals, Hayre and Gill, launch counterattacks, questioning her experience and knowledge of the government and NRI Sabha workings. As the campaign unfolds, the narrative oscillates between the seasoned candidates, highlighting their past achievements and the newcomer, promising fresh perspectives.
Kamaljit Hayre, a British national and past NRI Sabha president, boasts of accomplishments such as establishing NRI Bhawan, initiating an NRI police station, and introducing an NRI special court during his tenure. He positions himself as an experienced leader with a track record of service.
Jasvir Gill, elected in 2013 with the support of the Akali government, faced defeat in the last elections in 2020. Both Hayre and Gill bring their respective credentials to the forefront, emphasizing their contributions to the NRI Sabha and the diaspora community.
The election, scheduled for January 5, is poised to shape the leadership of NRI Sabha Punjab, with each candidate articulating a vision for the organization’s future. As the countdown begins, the electorate anticipates a pivotal moment in the history of the NRI Sabha, contemplating the choice between continuity and a potential paradigm shift.
