Gujarati candidates step into electoral game as Canada gears up for its 45th federal elections

As Canada gears up for its 45th federal elections scheduled on April 28, a significant difference has been stirred in its Indian diaspora.

Although Punjabi-Canadians have always maintained their place and face in the national politics, but this year a small yet notable group of Gujarati candidates have stepped into the electoral game for the first time.

According to a report by Times of India, from Brampton to Calgary - four Gujarati-origin candidates - first generation immigrants, are contesting for the parliamentary seats.

A civil engineer turned real estate developer, Jayesh Brahmbhatt from the Brampton Chinguacousy neighbourhoods, arrived in Canada in 2001.

Contesting on a People's Party ticket, Jayesh said, "We stand for freedom, responsibility, fairness and respect for all, and somewhere it resonates with me. I speak to a lot of people, and they seek change from this election."

According to TOI, he added, "Parties are now identifying Indians as an important community in politics, and sub-groups such as Gujaratis are making the most of this opportunity to be represented and be heard."

Standing from Calgary Midnapore on a Liberal ticket, Sunjiv Raval was born in Tanzania and has lived in Calgary for more than 20 years now.

Raval said, "We are fighting on issues faced by the middle class, who have been demanding better infrastructure and sports facilities, affordable housing and work opportunities for all. The country needs immigrants, but there must be a balance. We hope to restore it with the right policies. We have a voice now."

According to the publication's report, the Conservative Party had picked Don Patel for Etobicoke North but later dropped the choice last week.

Ashok Patel and Minesh Patel are contesting as independents from Edmonton Sherwood and Calgary Skyview, respectively.

According to TOI, Director of international trade at the Ottawa-based Overseas Friends of India Canada (OFIC), Hemant Shah said, "Canada is home to more than 1 lakh Gujaratis. The community is present in almost all major cities, but more so in Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Calgary and Vancouver."

"Many came to the country as immigrants whereas many more arrived as students and settled here. I have been in Canada for over four decades now, and in this election, we are perhaps witnessing the highest number of candidates of Gujarati origin. Irrespective of their win, it is a significant step in ensuring representation of the community, which is the second largest after Punjabis," Shah added.

The aim of the emergence of Gujarati-origin candidates is not to replace the established Punjabi political engagement in the country but instead to add to it.