IOCUSA Leads Strong Overseas Participation in Kerala Assembly Elections

Although many non-resident Indians spend the most productive years of their lives outside their
motherland, pursuing professional opportunities and enjoying a higher standard of living, their
emotional and cultural bond with India remains deeply rooted. That enduring connection was
displayed vividly during the election process that concluded in April 2026. Despite living
thousands of miles away, countless members of the Indian diaspora followed the elections with
intense interest, traveled back home to participate, engaged in political discussions, supported
campaigns, and contributed their time and resources to the democratic process.

One cannot help but wonder what motivates these individuals to immerse themselves so
passionately in the political life of a country they no longer permanently reside in. For many
Keralites in particular, political awareness and civic engagement are almost part of their cultural
DNA. Politics is not viewed merely as an occasional exercise during elections, but as a
continuous public responsibility and an integral part of everyday conversation and social
consciousness. This deep-rooted political culture keeps them informed, emotionally invested,
and ever ready to participate when the future of their state and nation is at stake.

The Indian diaspora, by and large, wishes to see India remain a vibrant, inclusive, and thriving
democracy. Having experienced the benefits of democratic institutions, civil liberties, and
freedom of expression—especially those living in Western democracies—many overseas
Indians have developed an even greater appreciation for the importance of safeguarding
democratic values in their homeland. Their involvement is therefore driven not only by nostalgia
or emotional attachment, but also by a genuine desire to see India persevere, progress, and
uphold the principles of democracy, pluralism, and constitutional governance for future
generations.

The Indian Overseas Congress USA (IOCUSA) was represented in a significant and visible
manner during the recently concluded Kerala Assembly elections. Led by George Abraham, a
strong contingent of overseas Congress leaders and volunteers participated actively in the
campaign across multiple constituencies, demonstrating remarkable passion, dedication, and
commitment to the democratic process. Paul Karukapallil, chairman, Kerala Chapter, Santhosh
Nair, former General secretary of the Kerala Chapter, Prof. Thampy Mathew , former president
of Chicago chapter, John Varghese, Executive committee member from Atlanta, Georgia, Raju
Varghese Abraham, New York and many others joined the campaign and active in many
constituencies.

Their efforts were further strengthened by the participation of hundreds of volunteers arriving
from Gulf countries under the banners of the Indian Overseas Congress, Overseas Indian
Cultural Congress (OICC), and INCAS. A major gathering of these overseas volunteers was
organized in Kayamkulam under the hospitality and leadership of Mahadevan Vazhassery. The
event was attended by prominent dignitaries including Deepa Dasmunsi and Arathi Krishna,
both of whom acknowledged and appreciated the growing involvement of the overseas Indian
community in strengthening democratic participation in Kerala.In-charge of Kerala, Smt.
Arathi Krishna, AICC Secretary-in-charge of IOC.). Notable NRIs who participated in the
campaign included Raju Alampura (OICC Bahrain), Shaji Shamshudeen (Dubai), KTA Muneer

(Saudi Arabia), A.P Shajahan, Sreejith Pathiyoor, Sainulabdeem Thaha, Ameer, and
Manikandan (INCAS OMAN), Sunil Aziz (INCAS, DUBAI) and Y.A. Rahim (Dubai) among
others.

Their collective participation reflected the deep emotional connection that overseas Indians
continue to maintain with Kerala and India, as well as their enduring commitment to democratic
values and public engagement.