People from the Indian community came in large numbers to the Gandhi center in The Hague, answering the call of the Ambassador of India, H.E. Venu Rajamony. The Ambassador had invited Indian citizens and other guests for a discussion on India’s democracy, the largest in the world, and specifically on the spectacular results of the May 2019 General Elections.
Against the expectations, incumbent Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party won the national elections by a large margin, securing 303 of the 542 seats available in the lower parliamentary chamber. Over thirty parties participated in the elections, which were assisted by electronic voting technology and featured a historic turnout of 67%.
This election showed that the charisma and popularity of Modi are an undeniable fact: with a clear vision and a strong party line, Modi is steadily increasing his degree of popularity. The incumbent Prime Minister received a new mandate from his people, in order to transform India for five more years, making further steps on the path of development. During the previous term as Prime Minister, Modi has worked on enhancing Hindu traditions, and he has invested in technology and infrastructures. He has also created a vast program of social benefits that reached the immense population of India. Moreover, he has promoted education among India’s youth and has made significant steps towards modernising India.
During the meeting in The Hague, H.E. Venu Rajamony sent conciliatory messages. He applauded India for this great exercise of democracy, also confirming that the opposition presented its congratulations to Prime Minister Modi. Many leaders in the world also congratulated the winner. The Ambassador read messages from the Presidents of many countries including the Netherlands, China, Russia, USA, United Kingdom, Nepal, Kazakhstan, France, Singapore, Tanzania, Uganda, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Namibia and many more.
Ambassador Rajamony went on by commenting on India’s domestic issues. “In terms of domestic economic policy in India, according to the IMF and World Bank, growth has been 7.3 percent and it is expected that we will continue to maintain this speed of growth in the coming years. With a young population and a connected world, thanks to the internet, technology and mobile phones, but also due to the growing demand and upstanding talent in terms of entrepreneurship, science and technology, innovation and IT, we can be confident that the economy will also continue to grow, enhancing the wellbeing of our people. As PM Modi said, we want each Indian to create an income, instead of looking for a job. Concerning the economy, we can be proud on what India has achieved, but we still have a long way to go. We have many challenges that need to be addressed.”
Over the last term, the Modi government has installed a program to clean the great rivers, as well as a program to provide housing to the homeless, sanitation, clean water, health and education. “Not a single person will be left behind – Ambassador Rajamony said – We are celebrating the pluralism and the social harmony among all, and we should all contribute from inside the country, but also from abroad to maintain a united India. The government will dedicate itself to bringing development to every corner of the country, providing jobs, making sure that inflation remains in control and making sure that education, health and welfare structures will reach every corner of our country.”
Moreover, the Ambassador also touched upon his country’s foreign policy. “On foreign policy, we stand engaged to solve the world’s concerns. We remain global in our look, and we believe in cooperation to address the common challenges that confront humanity. Moreover, we believe in the peaceful resolution of all disputes, including those with our neighbours, some of whom we have had a difficult relationship with”.
The speech of Ambassador Rajamony was followed by a big applause. Former Dutch Ambassador to India Fons Stoelinga then addressed the public with a detailed speech on India elections, followed by a remarkable intervention of Dr. Vikas Chaturvedi, Chairman of ASSOCHAM, about India’s economy, progress and challenges. Lastly, an animated section of questions and answer took place, thanks to the input of the engaged attendees.
