Some asked: “Why politicians show up when elections are near?” Some asked: “Why politicians show up when elections are near?” At Union minister Sushma Swaraj’s townhall event in Ahmedabad’s Gujarat University Convention Centre, women shared their views on the current political scenario of the state. Riddhi Patel (23), a student of the School of Commerce said that the main issue plaguing the state is the “caste culture”. She said, “A lot of times people tell me ‘So you are a Patidar, you will get a job, admission in colleges, etc’.” Although she praised the state governance, Riddhi said, “I sincerely suggest the government to take steps to reach even the last man in the society to make him aware of the policies made especially for him.” Another attendee of the event, Roshani Patel (22) asked, “Why do these political parties only show up when elections are near? Where are they during their entire term?” She suggested that the government should either scrap the liquor licence or make some stringent policies since the people ended up consuming alcohol by misusing the licence. Talking about the economic policies of the government, Rekha Gupta (21), said, “GST and demonetisation are the best decisions any government could make, but as far as India is concerned, the authorities did not do their homework well. They could not make the laymen understand the concept and the long-term benefits of these policies.” She suggested that removing the ‘middleman’ from every sector could make governance simple and approachable. Saying that the government should encourage and motivate start-ups and inspire women to take part in politics, Hardi Nanavati (21) said, “Government should open doors to new opportunity for youths as India as a country can only progress when the government and the citizens work cordially.” Konika Jingar (23) was of the opinion that since the BJP took power in the state, the students had received more opportunities and better infrastructure. However, she said, “The courses we study here in AU and the people in IIMs are very different. So a student should get the same level of education and quality irrespective of where they study.” Claiming that with the BJP in power, people had started viewing politics differently, Khushboo Ravlani (21) said, “Initiatives like town hall events to connect with the youth and women is commendable. Good schemes are being implemented in the state and the country like Swachh Bharat Yojana. Although, their execution remains a problem.” For all the latest Cities News, download Indian Express App

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