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Tamil Nadu 2026: Sri Lankan refugee camp resident votes for first time as Indian citizen
R. Gokuleswaran, 39, a resident of the Sri Lankan Tamils Rehabilitation Camp at Kottapattu in Tiruchi, cast his first vote as an Indian citizen in the Tamil Nadu State Legislative Assembly elections on April 23, 2026. He is a father of two and works at a store in Kattur. The moment marks a milestone in his long-held dream of participating in Indian democracy.
Why It Matters
The event highlights the enfranchisement of long-time residents of refugee camps in India's electoral process and reflects inclusive participation in Tamil Nadu's democracy.
Timeline
1 Event
Sri Lankan refugee camp resident casts his first vote as Indian citizen in Tamil Nadu Assembly elections
April 23, 2026
R. Gokuleswaran, 39, a resident of the Sri Lankan Tamils Rehabilitation Camp at Kottapattu, Tiruchi, cast his vote for the first time as an Indian citizen in the Tamil Nadu State Legislative Assembly elections. He is a father of two and works at a store in Kattur. He told The Hindu that he felt his life as an Indian had begun and that his children's future as Indian citizens was assured.