National issues dominate poll campaigns

 In its last leg, electioneering in Delhi has gone beyond local issues of “paani-bijli” and acquired a national pitch. 

It is interesting that election campaigns here have essentially focused on national issues — foreign policy, land reforms and black money — while problems pertaining to Delhi, including the long-standing demand for full statehood, are not highlighted. The participation of national leaders is a major factor steering the campaigns of political parties. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has tried to convince the voters that he has pursued a strong foreign policy. “When I meet global leaders, I treat them as equals because I have the support of the people of India. No good luck is better than the blessing of 125 crore people,” he asserted in a rally.  

He stressed how his regime has lowered the prices of petrol and introduced schemes like Jan Dhan Yojna which give insurance benefits to the poor. 

In her first appearance, Sonia Gandhi tried to raise contentious issues like black money and land reforms. “The Modi government is in power now. I want to ask what happened to the promised Rs 15 lakh that they were supposed to give (to each Indian) after getting back black money? What happened to jobs for the youth? Where are the reduced prices?” she said.