On February 5, 186 Pakistani Hindu refugees exercised their right to vote for the first time in the Delhi Assembly elections after being granted Indian citizenship under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA). The occasion was not just about electing representatives; it was a declaration of identity, a symbol of belonging, and a testament to years of struggle for legal recognition.
At a polling booth in Majnu Ka Tilla, a resettlement colony for refugees, 50-year-old Reshma stood with pride as she pressed the button on the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM). This simple act carried profound significance. “For the first time in my life, I have a say in shaping my future. This vote is not just for me, but for my family’s generations to come,” she said, her face breaking into a smile.
#WATCH | #DelhiAssemblyElection2025 | Many Pakistani refugees who have been living in Delhi cast their votes for the first time after being granted citizenship under the Citizenship Amendment Act or CAA. https://t.co/hB9TFsTn1A pic.twitter.com/kbJeCOzuvF
— ANI (@ANI) February 5, 2025
For decades, thousands of Pakistani Hindus fled to India, escaping religious persecution, discrimination, and violence. Many of them settled in Delhi, living in makeshift shelters, working as daily wage laborers, and enduring years of statelessness. Without legal recognition, they lacked basic rights, access to social services, and security. But on March 11, 2023, their fate changed when the Union government implemented the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), 2019.
Under the new law, undocumented non-Muslim migrants from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, who arrived in India before December 31, 2014, were eligible for Indian citizenship. After decades of uncertainty, they were finally recognised as legal citizens of their adopted homeland.
The day was deeply emotional for many. Chandrama, 45, who has lived in India for 17 years, wiped away tears after casting her vote. “Today, I finally feel like I am part of Hindustan. I have waited for this moment for so long.” The refugees queued up hours before polling booths opened, eager to exercise their newly earned right. The atmosphere in Majnu Ka Tilla, home to hundreds of Pakistani Hindu refugees, was filled with hope, excitement, and anticipation.
Dharamveer Solanki, president of the Pakistani Hindu refugee community, expressed optimism about the future. “For years, we lived as outsiders, constantly fearing eviction, struggling to earn a living. But now, with citizenship, we hope for stability—permanent homes, jobs, and a dignified life,” he said.
For Yashoda, 27, the occasion was particularly special. The first in her group to receive Indian citizenship, she even had the chance to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “I remember working as a daily wage laborer, barely making ends meet. Now, with Indian citizenship, I feel that my future is secure. I dream of a stable job, a home of my own, and a better life for my children,” she said.
Despite their newfound citizenship, many refugees continue to face significant challenges. They lack access to clean drinking water, electricity subsidies, proper housing, and employment opportunities.
Maina, 23, who traveled from Faridabad to cast her vote, shared her concerns.
“Even after getting citizenship, we still pay more for electricity than others. Our homes are broken, and we live in harsh conditions. We hope the new government will listen to us and improve our situation.” Among the oldest voters was Ranju, in her 70s, who has spent more than half her life in India but never had the right to vote until now.
“I have seen hardship my entire life—struggles for water, employment, and identity. Many people here still don’t have Aadhaar cards. Prices are rising, and we are just trying to survive,” she said. But despite these challenges, Ranju stood tall and proud, her inked finger proof of her newfound identity. “If I can vote today, maybe tomorrow, I will get all the other rights I have been waiting for.”
The Delhi Assembly elections saw a voter turnout of 57.70 per cent by 5 p.m., with North-East Delhi recording the highest at 63.83%. But for the newly naturalised Pakistani Hindu refugees, the elections were more than just political participation; they were about affirming their place in Indian society.
For decades, they lived in uncertainty—unable to own property, access welfare schemes, or plan for the future. Now, with Indian citizenship and the right to vote, they are hopeful that their voices will be heard by political leaders.
Shankar, a refugee who arrived in India in 2013, summed up the sentiment of many. “Getting citizenship in India was our dream. Today, after casting my vote, I feel proud to say that I am now an Indian citizen. More than 100 families from our community voted today. We hope the new government will help us get permanent homes.”
#WATCH | #DelhiAssemblyElection2025 | Many Pakistani refugees who have been living in Delhi cast their votes for the first time after being granted citizenship under the Citizenship Amendment Act or CAA.
Shankar, one of the Pakistani refugees, now an Indian voter, says, "I came… pic.twitter.com/JlkMPnWmBa
— ANI (@ANI) February 5, 2025
For these first-time voters, the election was more than a civic duty—it was a symbol of recognition, dignity, and a future they can finally call their own.
