A shopkeeper holds masks of Indian Congress Party President Rahul Gandhi and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a roadside shop in Chennai. Arun Sankar / AFP
A shopkeeper holds masks of Indian Congress Party President Rahul Gandhi and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a roadside shop in Chennai. Arun Sankar / AFP
A shopkeeper holds masks of Indian Congress Party President Rahul Gandhi and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a roadside shop in Chennai. Arun Sankar / AFP
A shopkeeper holds masks of Indian Congress Party President Rahul Gandhi and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a roadside shop in Chennai. Arun Sankar / AFP

Economic issues should come first in Indian election


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I refer to your article Indian general election to begin voting on April 11 (March 11).Prime Minister Narendra Modi is leaving no stone unturned to win a second term in office. Hence his latest campaign this week, ahead of the general election on April 11: "Main bhi chowkidar" or "I am also a watchman". This is an appeal to tens of millions of poorly-paid watchmen, by comparing his job of protecting the country to theirs.

Mr Modi should realise that protecting the nation is the primary responsibility of any leader and does not set him apart. He should address the critical issue of low farmer incomes, decaying urban infrastructure and unemployment, rather than indulging in jingoism. Indians have suffered in the unwarranted demonetisation and due to a lack of adequate jobs. These core economic issues need to be tackled. About 50 per cent of India’s population is now below the age of 30. These youngsters cannot be swayed by slogans. They demand delivery of concrete results on the ground.

Rajendra Aneja, Dubai

Golan announcement violates UN resolutions

I write in reference to your article Mike Pompeo denies US stance on Golan violates UN resolutions (March 24). Arrogance knows no borders, and the so-called "realities on the ground" are ridiculous. Israel is on course to make the US an unpopular nation among Muslim states and the other countries who see the truth. This is a sheer violation of UN resolutions.

Name withheld by request

A holistic approach can ease depression and anxiety

I write in reference to your article We may never find a cure for depression (March 24). Across the world today, anxiety and depression are major issues to be addressed. Diagnosing these problems early on can feed a holistic approach that helps patients throughout their lives. This is about keeping the mind calm so that good cheer can naturally follow.

K Ragavan, Bengaluru

Education removes the dangerous veil of ignorance

I refer to your article Education is the antidote to violence, poverty and corruption, says Nobel prize winner (March 24). Absolutely right, as education removes the veil of ignorance that has kept too many people in the darkness. Education

is like the sun of knowledge that removes darkness to usher in brightness all over the world.

Name withheld by request

Bio

Born in Dibba, Sharjah in 1972.
He is the eldest among 11 brothers and sisters.
He was educated in Sharjah schools and is a graduate of UAE University in Al Ain.
He has written poetry for 30 years and has had work published in local newspapers.
He likes all kinds of adventure movies that relate to his work.
His dream is a safe and preserved environment for all humankind. 
His favourite book is The Quran, and 'Maze of Innovation and Creativity', written by his brother.

Our legal columnist

Name: Yousef Al Bahar

Advocate at Al Bahar & Associate Advocates and Legal Consultants, established in 1994

Education: Mr Al Bahar was born in 1979 and graduated in 2008 from the Judicial Institute. He took after his father, who was one of the first Emirati lawyers

If you go

The flights

Etihad and Emirates fly direct from the UAE to Chicago from Dh5,215 return including taxes.

The hotels

Recommended hotels include the Intercontinental Chicago Magnificent Mile, located in an iconic skyscraper complete with a 1929 Olympic-size swimming pool from US$299 (Dh1,100) per night including taxes, and the Omni Chicago Hotel, an excellent value downtown address with elegant art deco furnishings and an excellent in-house restaurant. Rooms from US$239 (Dh877) per night including taxes.