Indian expats in UAE welcome Modi 2.0 era

One Indian expat termed the verdict as 'common man's victory'.

Expats from various parts of India shared hopes of a stronger and better India after the election results welcomed a Modi 2.0 era.
Al Ain-based Naresh Suri, who hails from New Delhi, termed the verdict as 'common man's victory'.
"In the last five years, the Modi government has provided electricity to villages, given homes to poor, taken up sanitation and health seriously and developed roads. When you take care of basic requirements of the poor, you get rewarded like this," Suri said and noted celebrations were held after Iftar.
He noted that contrary to perception, Modi government has taken people from all religion together.
Kumar D. from the northern state of Punjab said the verdict bodes well for the future of India.
"The pan-India wave you see is acceptance of Modi's development agenda. People have voted for those who take positive steps. The BJP hasn't done well in Punjab as it allied with the Shiromani Akali Dal."
Tushar Patni, an expat from Gujarat which saw a BJP sweep, felt Modi will now make India stronger than before.
"We are surprised to see that despite a united opposition, Modi has emerged stronger than before. Five years aren't enough to bring about real change in India. Modi deserved another term. There was this thought that if not Modi, then whom? None wanted Rahul Gandhi to be the prime minister."
Aashish Bhandari, who hails from Rajasthan - another state with the BJP whitewash, said the absolute majority will be an impetus for Modi government to push further growth.
"It's the win for Indians who believe in development and progress. Appeasement politics has to come to an end and we should see resurgence in India's growth story," he said and noted it is time for opposition parties to get their act together to stay relevant.
Joydip Chakraborty, an expat from West Bengal, said people have lost faith in Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress.
"The BJP's surge has exceeded expectations but it was bound to happen. We didn't expect a neck-to-neck fight with the TMC. This is good for the people and the state. This tempo will continue for the assembly election due in 2021."
Annu Chouraria, another expat from the state, termed Modi as 'visionary' leader.
"Let us be clear that any alliance done with the purpose to defeat the democratic rights is senseless and useless. They may fight with the people, but not for the people. With Modi's return, it's the homecoming of new dreams, aspirations and hopes for NRIs," she said.
Deepak Kumar Dash from Odisha felt people had shown maturity while casting their ballot.
"People have analysed various national and international issues. People have backed those who talked about positive future. There is no room for negative politics. People have analysed the work done by the BJP in the country and the BJD at state level. Politicians across party lines should understand the peoples' mandate and introspect. Let's hope for a better India for us and our children."
One state where the Congress made rich gains is the southern state of Kerala where the Left parties were decimated. Prakash Thampy, who hails from the state, hopes the 'grand old party' can now work to find a cure to tackle the BJP's growing stronghold.
"There should be a collective leadership. Carrying the party forward isn't just the responsibility of the Nehru-Gandhi family. More leaders like Rahul Gandhi should be nurtured. There are many capable minds in the party. Leaders like Shashi Tharoor should be elevated in party ranks."
People from Tamil Nadu state have backed UPA ally Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and Najeer Ahmed, a native of Thoothukudi district, said it was always going to be the case in the election following the demise of All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) stalwart J. Jayalalithaa.
"Amma was the backbone of AIADMK. The party has split and lacks a leader of her stature. Their alliance with the BJP didn't go well with the people of Tamil Nadu. People have rejected communal forces of the BJP. In a vacuum being created in the state, Stalin, son of the late M. Karunanidhi, was always set to emerge as the new hope and leader of the masses. It has happened."
Mohamed Ahamed, expat from Telangana, is distraught as against expectations, Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) couldn't win all the seats. "The dream of KCR leading the Third Front is dashed. Now it's a wait for another five years. KCR is one leader who takes people from all religions together. He is a leader with ideas, vision and seeks to better lives of people. I wonder if the central government will show any interest in our new state, which needs all assistance."
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com