5 key issues

From demand for reservation to growing unemployment to the GST, Gujarat has been witnessing agitations on a range of issues, which are likely to hold sway in the upcoming assembly elections

QUOTA DEMAND

Protests for OBC status by the influential Patidar community is probably the biggest challenge the BJP government has faced in its two-decade rule. The state government last month announced a commission and a corporation for communities outside the purview of reservation. But Hardik Patel has vowed to continue the agitation.

GST

Small businessmen and traders, who form the core of the BJP’s support base, have been hit by implementation glitches in the roll out of the Goods and Services Tax (GST). The government has moved to address some of their concerns by slashing rates on some products but many say the slowing economy has added to their business woes.

CONTRACTUAL WORKERS

Teachers, anganwadi women workers, clerks and others hired on contractual basis with fixed salaries have been protesting for two years in Gujarat. While some sections are demanding an increase in their pay, others want permanent job status. Alpesh Thakor and Jignesh Mevani have taken up this issue with multiple protests across the state

UNEMPLOYMENT

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi tried to raise the issue in recent rallies, attacking PM Narendra Modi for the lack of employment opportunities in a state known for its fast pace of development. The Congress leader’s jobs pitch is aimed at wooing the youth, who otherwise vote for the ruling BJP. The state government has dismissed the unemployment charge and showcased its industrial record.

NARMADA

While the state’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party has so far largely woven its campaign around the Sardar Sarovar Dam—dedicated to the nation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in October—the Congress has been trying to raise the issue of unavailability of Narmada water for irrigation.