The politics in Gujarat’s Rajkot – which is known for its Kathiyawadi spicy thalis – is heating up as the electoral contest in many seats of the region turns into a fight between the BJP and AAP. Traditionally, the BJP and Congress used to contest in these regions.
Politics in Rajkot centres around the BJP, with the four seats in Rajkot termed the BJP bastion. The party won all four seats in 2016, but the AAP has entered the fray and put its focus on the students.
“I am a student. Gujarat has a lot of problems and paper leaks are an issue, government jobs are also not available. Most students are troubled. Not just Rajkot – the entire Gujarat – wants to see a new and younger generation,” said Dilip, a resident.
However, he did not say if he would choose AAP over others. “I will follow the candidate whoever wants to push for education for the youth of Gujarat. I want to say I don’t follow any party,” he said.
Apart from free electricity and water, Arvind Kejriwal’s AAP has strongly picked up the issue of exam paper leaks that trouble students. AAP’s appeal has resonated among the young voters in the region.
Kejriwal has said several times that if the AAP comes to power in Gujarat, the government will ensure that examinations held for government posts will be conducted fairly and anyone who leaks papers will be jailed for at least 10 years. He also said that he will ensure that all the government posts that were vacant will be filled after these examinations are conducted.
Sandeep, a student, said that the BJP is likely to emerge victorious and the government will focus on education and infrastructure. “Even if paper leaks happen, it is not because of a party , there are loopholes. There are definitely many opportunities being created in Rajkot and there are industrial jobs too,” he added.
Kana Bhai, a restaurant owner said, “There is pressure from the Aam Aadmi Party this time. But the BJP has been ruling the state for 20 years and more, whereas the Opposition has been very weak. But the BJP is on a very different tangent here. Development should always move forward.”
However, Kana agreed that the issue of GST and restaurants remaining shut in Covid were burning issues. “But we have relented and we need support from BJP to continue our business,” he added.
Several chief ministers in the state have emerged victorious from Rajkot constituency. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also won from Rajkot.
