Voices of Gujarat: ‘Health Sector Ignored’, ‘Will Vote For NOTA’

From GST to the health sector, these 5 voters talk about what will define their vote in Gujarat elections.

(Photo: The Quint)

A 27-year-old entrepreneur, a fisherman, a retired nurse and more – watch these people from Gujarat talk about what will define their vote this election.

GST and Note Ban Show That Govt Doesn't Care About Poor, Transgenders: 59-Year-Old

59-year-old transgender Shilpa Kinner of Ahmedabad is unhappy with the government over note ban and GST, pointing out how the policies reflect the authorities' lack of concern over the sufferings of the poor and transgender community.

It’s been a year since the government announced note ban. The people who used to give us money are hesitant to do so today because the Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes were scrapped. GST has also made us suffer. The government seems to be only looking at its own interest.

Shilpa clearly says she would not support either the BJP and Congress in the upcoming state assembly elections, asserting that her vote would be for NOTA (None of the Above).

Health Sector Not Getting Due Attention: 27-Year-Old Entrepreneur

An entrepreneur closely working on issues relating to women's health in Ahmedabad, 27-year-old Krutika indicates that socio-cultural development in Gujarat is not getting its due attention, as the focus remains on politics and boosting the industrial economy.

The socio-cultural development index of the state is not up to the mark. A number of women here are suffering from malnourishment and anaemia. Such issues do not get their due attention.

She wants the next state government to reorient its priorities, so that the health sector, especially women's health, gets more attention.

Both BJP and Cong Not Willing To Work For Us: 32-Year-Old Fisherman

Chetan Kanjibhai, a 32-year-old fisherman from Porbandar, is disillusioned with the whole electoral process, saying that he won't be voting in the upcoming elections as both the BJP and Congress are not willing to work for the fishing community.

I won’t even vote for NOTA. I’ve heard that the machines can be rigged. I’ve not been voting in the previous elections too.

According to him, the only good work done by BJP was bringing back captured boats from Pakistan.

Kanjibhai lists several issues concerning the fishing community, including price rise, non-implementation of a subsidy scheme and lack of compensation in case of accidents.

The price of diesel (for our boats) is going up, while that of fish (that we sell) is coming down.

Never Got a Promotion Despite Working so Hard: Retired Govt Nurse

Retired government nurse Usha, 59, is unhappy about the fact that she did not get a promotion in her profession despite working "responsibly" for 35 years.

I joined the profession as a class 3 nurse. Even after serving for 35 years, I retired as a class 3 employee. Despite doing the work of a class 2 employee, I was not given the class 2 designation.

Usha says her vote in the upcoming elections would not be decided on the basis of party affiliation of the candidate.

I will vote for the person who can change this system.

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])