Voices of Gujarat: ‘BJP Has Helped Farmers’, ‘Gujarat is Plural’

From higher education to development, 5 individuals talk about what will define their vote in Gujarat elections.

From higher education to development, 5 Gujarat voters on the factors that will define their ballot this election season.

(Photo: The Quint)

A 55-year-old farmer, a graphic designer, and a student – watch these residents of Gujarat talk about what will define their vote this election.

‘Modi And BJP Govt Have Helped Farmers Prosper’

Prabhulal Kamariya, a 55-year-old farmer from Morbi, thanks the BJP government, PM Narendra Modi and Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani for helping the farming community prosper.

Among the measures that Kamariya lists as being beneficial for the farmers are the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojaana (Crop Insurance Scheme), subsidised farm equipment as well as ensuring the availability of Narmada river water.

The government has increased the rate at which our produce is bought... The BJP government and Modiji have ensured that Narmada water is available for us. My village harvested Rs 10 crore worth of produce because of availability of Narmada water. 

'Higher Education System Needs to be Improved'

Nidhi Patel, a 23-year-old student, says that the higher education system in Gujarat needs to be improved by the next government which comes to power.

Despite the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme of the government, girls are not able to study as per their choice. It is difficult for us to pursue higher studies after graduation. 

“The government quota is really less, and the fees charged by self-financed colleges is really high,” she says. Criticising the semester system in colleges, Patel says that the students are not able to study and score well under the system.

There were many protests against the semester system, but nobody listened.

'People of All Religions Feel Welcome Here'

While lauding Gujarat for its "tremendous growth", 25-year-old graphic designer Radhika says that the state has been at peace for the last 15 years. The Ahmedabad resident says:

I have observed at a mall here that people of all religions come in. It’s wonderful that people feel welcome. None of us are judging them and making them feel that they should not be there.

Dani says that even though the BJP government has been in power in Gujarat for many years, the state started seeing positive development only after Modi took charge as Chief Minister.

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])