Only a fraction of Non-Resident Keralites have registered as voters but they seem to be taking a keen interest in the electoral battle at home, closely following the campaign on Internet and news channels.
Even as it is hard to hazard a guess at the actual NRK turnout for voting on April 10, those living abroad are as active in chat debates as the desi-voters on social networking sites and other communication channnels.
Many of them keep abreast of the latest developments in the country.
Lavanya Shyamkumar, a home-maker holding permanent resident status in Macungie, Pennsylvania, United States, has been keenly following the elections over Internet and television in the midst of her domestic chores.
Lavanya said she, and also many others, follow Indian politics because they want that India should be in safe hands.
"As an overseas Indian what I look forward is a sea change in Indian politics. Mounting corruption has given a negative image about the country," Lavanya said over phone.
Asked whom she would like to vote if she gets a chance to be in Kerala on the voting day, she said, "the Congress has lost its credibility due to dynastic politics and charges of corruption. The BJP is not much different from the Congress and the infighting in it would make the voter think twice whether to support it or not."
She feels that Aam Aadmi party has also lost much of its appeal after its leaders took the Congress' support and its present functioning is more disappointing.
"My vote would be for a person or party which will wage a crusade against corruption as I feel elimination of corruption is the panacea to several problems faced by the country," Lavanya said.
She said most NRIs would be able to participate in the elections only if the government made arrangements for them to vote in the country where they reside.
