In Gujarat Polls 2017, Where do Mumbai’s Gujaratis Stand?

As election fever gripped Gujarat, effects of the Assembly polls could be felt as far as 500 kilometers away in Mumbai.

A significant chunk of Gujaratis live in the financial capital of India, and they are keeping an eye on the political developments in their home state.

What do the Gujarati’s in Mumbai expect from these elections?

In their interaction with The Quint, a large section of the community – especially the businessmen and traders – agreed that GST and demonetisation will be defining factors in this election.

GST is a very important factor there (in Gujarat). Today, they (Modi government) have reduced GST rates only because election is upon us. If they wanted to reduce it, they could have done it in the very beginning. Now during election, they are offering us sops.

Vidyut Soni, Businessman

But when we asked who do they support, a general divide began to emerge. Some of them said that under Narendra Modi, BJP has done enough for Gujarat to win the election despite the recent protests by patidars and OBCs.

I feel that Narendra Modi has done enough development in Gujarat. People will vote for him.

Alpesh Bhai, Businessman

On the other hand, there were those who believe that 22 years of anti-incumbency may take it’s toll on the BJP, and a rejuvenated Rahul Gandhi has it in him to take down the saffron party on PM Modi’s home turf.

The winds have changed in Gujarat. Everyone now trusts Rahul Gandhi. Hardik Patel’s support is an added bonus.

Raju Bhai, Businessman

Video Producer: Anubhav Mishra
Video Editor: Vivek Gupta and Mohd Irshad Alam

(This story has been translated from Quint Hindi.)

(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])