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Iranians in south India cast their votes
Iranians settled in Hyderabad, Bangalore and Mysore cities cast their votes in the presidential elections at the Iranian consulate in Hyderabad.
Iranians settled in Hyderabad, Bangalore and Mysore cities on Friday cast their votes in the presidential elections at the Iranian consulate in Hyderabad.
About 5,000 Iranians living in these three south Indian cities were eligible to vote at the Iranian consulate in Banjara Hills.
The voters were allowed to cast their ballots after they produced their Iranian passports and other necessary documents to the polling officials.
"We have made all arrangements here so that Iranians living in these three cities can come and exercise their franchise. The ballots will be sent to Iran for the counting," said Ali Akbar Niroman, the public relations officer at the consulate.
"Our grandparents had come to Hyderabad from Iran. Though the local culture had a great influence on our lives, we remained Iranian citizens and take part in every election," said Mohammed Raza, a voter.
Hyderabad has historic and cultural relations with Iran as many Iranians came here and settled during Qutub Shahi and Asaf Jahi dynasties.
Iran set up the consulate in Hyderabad about four decades ago to cater to a sizeable Iranian population here.
