Voices of Gujarat: ‘Liquor Sold Widely’, ‘Corruption Has Risen’

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

(Photo: The Quint)

A 30-year-old corporate professional, a farmer, a homemaker and more – watch these people from Gujarat talk about what will define their vote this election.

Voted For BJP in The Past, But Not This Time: 39-Year-Old Businessman

Thirty-nine-year-old businessman Jaidev Goswami has voted for the BJP in the past, but this time around, he would not be supporting the party as "Narendra Modi has not done the work expected of him".

A resident of Mehsana, Goswami says:

Corruption has become so widespread in Gujarat. We can’t get any work done because of corruption. GST and note ban have also badly affected the business community. My business was down even during the Diwali season this time.

After the Assembly elections in the state, Goswami wants to see a government which listens to the small traders and businessmen, and not one that makes empty promises.

There's a Lack of Employment Opportunities Here: 30-Year-Old Corporate Professional

A 30-year-old corporate professional from Vadodara, Chitra Parmar is quite happy with the current leadership at the state and the central level, praising the “powerful and charismatic leaders” for taking some "bold steps".

Parmar indicates that she would like to see the next government working towards generating more employment opportunities as well as pushing for digitisation.

There is a lack of employment opportunities in the market. As regards digitisation, I would like to see my state having maximum penetration of the various digital facilities.

Parmar also wants to see more dynamic leaders in politics, as well as a closer involvement of experts of different fields in the decision-making process.

Authorities Don't do Anything About Illegal Liquor: 38-Year-Old Farmer

Living in a village in Surat district, 38-year-old farmer Priteshbhai Patel wants the state government to urgently crack down on the illegal sale and consumption of liquor.

The government must understand that liquor is sold widely in Gujarat despite prohibition. Because of alcoholism, so many young women have become widows. There’s also a lot of domestic violence.

Patel does not hesitate in saying that there has been absolutely no response from the authorities – including the police, the village sarpanch and the legislator – so as to effectively implement prohibition.

Everyone is Facing Troubles Because of Inflation: 36-Year-Old Homemaker

For 36-year-old homemaker Kalpana Faujdar of Rajkot, inflation is the primary issue that will define her vote in the upcoming elections.

Everyone is facing troubles because of inflation. All the commodities of daily use have become expensive. How will the poor people manage? GST has also shot up the price of commodities.

Notably, at its meeting on 10 November, the GST Council decided to lower the tax rates on a number of items.

With Assembly elections just round the corner, Kalpana uses a couplet to give a message to the politicians, saying that they should not just look at their self-interest, as the public is monitoring them closely.

"Don't forget, the public can vote you (the politicians) out in the upcoming elections," she says.

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])