Voices of Gujarat: ‘BJP Hasn’t Done Much’, ‘Note Ban Benefited Me’

From hospitals to unemployment, these 5 voters talk about what will define their vote in the Gujarat elections.

(Photo: The Quint)

A 62-year-old fisherman, a restaurant owner, a doctor and more – watch these people from Gujarat talk about what will define their vote this election.

Despite my Association With BJP, I am Compelled to Say it Hasn’t Done Much: 62-Year-Old Fisherman

For 62-year-old fisherman Jivanbhai Jungi, his association with the BJP ever since its Jana Sangh days does not deter him from saying that the party has not done any work in the contemporary context.

A resident of Porbandar, Jungi lists the many issues in his area which the government needs to work on – those of fishermen and the OBC community, shortage of doctors and unemployment.

My two sons have completed their education. But they are still hunting for jobs in private sector. There are many unemployed young people in Porbandar. And these people have good degrees.

Disappointed by the Congress and the BJP for their lack of initiative, he indicates that he would vote for an alternative.

Both GST and Note Ban Have Been Beneficial to me: 30-Year-Old Restaurant Owner

For 30-year-old restaurant owner Gokul, the development work he has seen in Surat for the last many years would make him vote for BJP in the upcoming state Assembly elections.

Though he says that caste will not be a consideration for him, he still says that Patidars should not be demanding any reservation, as they are already “well-off”.

As regards to GST and note ban, Gokul asserts that both the measures have been beneficial to him.

Because of note ban, our ‘white transaction’ has increased. All my customers pay by card, which is beneficial.

Govt Has Taken no Steps to Do Away With Unemployment: 24-Year-Old Doctor

A doctor from Vadodara, 24-year-old Usmaan Kazi says that the government has not taken any steps to do away with unemployment despite its promises.

His grouse is also against the low stipend in his profession.

I would urge the youth to not be dependent on social media during elections. Instead, they should come out and vote.

Has The Govt Effected Any Improvement in The Quality of Education?: 43-Year-Old NGO Owner

Working as the chairperson of an education trust and running an NGO, 43-year-old Yamini Upadhyay wants to know whether the government schemes have helped improve the quality of education in the state.

Interestingly, she praises private education for providing good facilities while not charging a very high fees.

In what seemed to be a reference to measures such as demonetisation and GST, Upadhyay asserts that the government should not implement reforms in a hasty and abrupt manner.

The common person has been living under stress for the last few years. We are dealing with new changes and announcements everyday.

GST Has Eaten Into my Savings: 20-Year-Old Student

Twenty-year-old Ayushi Panikar, a student hailing from Rajkot, expresses concern about having to pay more ever since the introduction of the GST regime.

Whenever we see the bill these days, it is a blow for us. We are not left with much savings. If you’re buying something with Rs 500, a lot of the money is paid as tax, rather than paying for the commodity itself.

Click here to listen to more such voices from Gujarat.

(Voices of Gujarat: Tired of listening to netas make promises? As Gujarat goes to polls, The Quint wants to listen to the real voices of Gujarat – the voters. Tell us what issues matter to you this election season. Send in your videos to [e-mail] or WhatsApp @ [phone])