Implement legislation to allow NRIs to vote: Chandy

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Congress leader and former Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on Thursday rejected the Election Commission's contention that it was not feasible to give voting rights to NRIs and urged the Centre to take steps to implement a legislation in this regard.

Speaking to reporters here, he said NRIs should be allowed to vote if they are present in the country at the time of polling.

A meeting of Congress leaders, including Union Ministers from Kerala and MP's would be held in Kochi soon to discuss the issue, Chandy said.

The Election Commission recently had stated that it faces "logistical difficulties" in allowing NRIs to exercise their franchise and stressed the need for changes in the statute for it.

To questions on organisational matters in Kerala, Chandy claimed the Congress is united in the state and its main aim was to win maximum seats in Local bodies poll slated for later this year and the assembly election next year.

On his meeting senior leader K Karunakaran, Chandy said it was merely a courtesy call to enquire about his health. during the talks, the subject of state politics naturally came up, he added.