UAE business men react
Yusuff Ali MA, chairman, Lulu Group
I see this huge mandate as an endorsement of the pro development agenda of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The various initiatives his govt has introduced in different sectors, right from grassroot level has surely struck the right cord with the masses and that has resulted in this huge victory.
As an NRI investor in India, I must say the Modi govt has made it very easy and transparent for us and surely not only NRIs but big international investors will be more confident in coming to india now, because of the clear mandate.
As an NRI based in the gulf, last five years have been the best period in the history of Indo gulf relationship. All the visionary leaders of various Arab countries have immense respect and share a great relationship with Modi, this I am sure will get further strengthened in coming years.
The image of India and Indians have been greatly elevated in the last five years and I am sure that the new generation will have much to cherish in coming years.
Dr B.R. Shetty, founder and chairman, NMC Healthcare
The new government will lead the country to the highest level. Black market will be completely wiped out. People who have looted our country will be eradicated and punished severely. We have seen that in the last term of BJP and I am sure it will be the case next term. I foresee India will be the leading nation in the world. The country will grow beyond expectations. There will be no selfish motive from politicians anymore.
Vasu Shroff, chairman of the Regal Group of Companies
I am one for the masses. My message to the world is not as an NRI businessman, but as a citizen of the country with only good wishes for the nation. My wish from the new government is that the needs of the lower segment of the society is fulfilled. They have basic needs for good education, electricity, clean drinking water, houses, roads. I know that in many of the Indian villages we have seen the Modi government do this.
Rizwan Sajan, founder and chairman, Danube Group
“My heartiest congratulations to Narendra Modi government. Honestly the results are not surprising for many of us as it clearly showcases the outstanding previous year’s performance by them. The NDA government’s infrastructure push and its efforts to strengthen Brand India is one of its biggest achievements. Also, I would like to thank the government for simplified tax structures and an easy tax administration which helped many brands like us to enter Indian market to generate more Business and provide employment opportunities. We wish the same continues and the nation keeps growing and shinning.”
Joy Alukkas, chairman & managing director, Joyalukkas Group
Congratulations to our honourable Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and the BJP on the landslide lead and winning the elections. As an entrepreneur I look forward to the continued focus of the government for the growth of trade and commerce in India. The positive response of the Indian Sensex post announcement of the election results is surely reassuring for trade, commerce and businesses in India. I am sure we can expect some great initiatives for the Gold & Jewellery industry as well in the next five years.
Dhananjay Datar, chairman and managing director of Al Adil Trading
The BJP has had an astounding victory and it is no surprise. This is good news for non-resident-indians (NRIs) as Narendra Modi has done much to put India on the global map. Indians today have become more visible. We know that someone is looking after us and we as Indians can look at investment opportunities anywhere in the world with the confidence that we are recognized. Modi is a business minded and I believe he will help bring in foreing investments into the country and this will be great.
Ram Buxani, chairman of ITL Cosmos Group
The Indian Election results are as expected. Narendra Modi has been given more time to prove himself further. During his campaign last term, he had many dreams and visions for India. He has just been given more time to achieve this. Modi’s re-election also shows a more stable India. You achieve nothing by changing the government every five years. We are looking at a more stable India today.
Some of Modi’s achievements have been short-lived. For example we have a long way to go as far as infrastructure is concerned. Water transportation is an area that requires much thought to be given into. We have so many rivers in India, the new government must do more to ensure. Our ports too are not very developed. Exports are hampered. In his first term campaign, Modi talked about Made in India. Even today in India there are many Chinese goods floating around. The new government needs to look into that. As far as his achievements go, corruption has been eradicated to a great extent and that is a huge achievement for us.
Shamlal Ahamed, managing director – international operations, Malabar Gold & Diamonds
We hope that the result will enable forward movement of the nation in diverse spheres in the coming 5 years that should enable India to make giant strides strengthening its position as one of the leading global economies.
From a business perspective, I see the mandate providing more progress and development opportunities which will be beneficial to all.
Adeeb Ahamed, managing director, Lulu Exchange
I would like to congratulate our honourable Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and his party on winning the 2019 Lok Sabha election. We are sure that the Indian government will work further to strengthen the economy and push efforts to enhance trade and commerce. UAE and India have very close historical bond and share mutually beneficial strategic partnerships in various fields. I am sure that the Narendra Modi government will continue building the bilateral relations between the two countries and enhance further constructive dialogue in the coming years.
Paras Shahdadpuri, chairman, Nikai Group of Companies
The early trends are better than my expectations. It is clear the incumbent BJP led NDA will come with absolute majority. Prime Minster Modi is a visionary and a very capable and honest leader. The coming five years are very crucial for India where NDA can consolidate the good work done in past five years and on this foundation, they can build sustainable growth story of India.
Kamal Vachani regional group director, Al Maya Group
The 2019 General Election has been one of the toughest fought elections since independence. Imagine this is the biggest election exercise on planet with about 900 million eligible voters. We need to celebrate this festival of democracy.
Narendra Modi's re-election shows we have a stable government. This is good news for non-resident Indians (NRIs) living abroad as Modi has done alot to build the country's international relations. Indian now have many benefits internationally. I am glad he has been re-elected.
Service professionals
Bal Krishen, ceo, Century Financial
The ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has once again secured a clear majority in the Indian elections. The alliance is leading in 345 of the 542 seats where leads are available, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) which leads the coalition on its own leads in 299 seats and this is unprecedented in Indian elections for the past couple of decades. Clearly, the people have voted for continuity and stability which is a good news for financial markets as well. The probability of economic reforms getting a boost is significant as the NDA is considered to be more business friendly. Nevertheless, benchmark equity indices of India seem to have already discounted the victory and a weak global market means a rally is not expected in short term. However in the long term Indian equities as well as assets could be a great buy in view of the anticipated reforms.
Sethu Ramaswamay, Banking professional based in Dubai
There is no doubt Narendra Modi is a showman. He is one man who has understood the pulse of the nation and how to wave the magic. As a politician he just wants to get elected. Just like a Bollywood star knows how to attract people to his side, Modi is one and the same.
A lot of us living outside India are only hearing about our country through news headlines. It is only when you go and live in India that you see the hard core reality of our country. During my last visit to the country, I was in the southern part and people in the lower strata of society said they are happy. They have electricity, water and they are happy. Modi has touched their lives for sure. Even my visit to Gujarat, this was the same.
The urban society is not a fan of Modi as they want bigger things like infrastructure, better economy. Etc.. But he has touched the masses and that is why he is a winner today.
Rahul Gandhi on the other hand is an unteachable mediocrity. He is beyond redemption. Gandhi has grown as a politician but he is not there yet. Remember Indian politics is a different ball game altogether. I believe that if a political party is not bound by an ideology, you have to depend on individuals and that is where the Indian National Congress party has failed.
Demagoguery should not be encouraged in any country it is bad news, but Indian politicians thrive on it. In the end, I want to salute Narendra Modi for his win. He knows how to win and he has done it.
Anoop Bhargava, a Dubai-based finance professional
The Indian Election 2019 result is a true reflection of the people's voice and reaffirms the power of democracy.People have seen progress over last five years and have voted for continuity in order to make India a better place to live and work.This is the first time in history of independent India that a political party has won two successive terms with absolute majority....let's celebrate people power and public choice.
Ashok Kapoor, a Dubai-based consultant
I am delighted that the country has voted responsibly and Narendra Modi is back with a thumping majority. While I may not support the polarisation in the country it would have been tragic to revert to the embarrassing dark days of pre 2014 under Congress leadership where coalition ruled. The BJP now has a clear mandate to complete the good work that has already been commenced to lead India to where it rightly belongs. I sincerely hope education, healthcare and job creation will get primary attention.
I am sincerely hoping that Modi and the BJP will work to ameliorate the unfortunate polarisation caused by some of their supporters and unite the country to protect the richness of India’s diversity.
Dr. Sameer H Shaikh, Orthodontist
India has spoken and the message is clear. The party with a clear hierarchy has been given the majority mandate and rightly so. A fractured opposition would have been detrimental to India at this juncture.
I pray the next 5 years will bring a boost for our economy with core focus on infrastructure, education, job creation and agragarian developement rather than wasting time on non secular politics. India must march forward as Indians and not as majorities and minorities. United we win and divided we fall!
