Gujarat elections 2017: People can afford to go to private institutes, says Anandiben Patel

A video of former Gujarat CM and education minister Anandiben Patel addressing people in Ghatlodia recently went viral in which she lashed out at those alleging privatisation of education on the eve of elections.

She says, "People spend Rs1,000 in hotels but when it comes to pay for their children education, it pinches them. Tell me, every state except Gujarat has private schools. People can afford to go to private institutes. When parents do not mind, why create a fuss."

She says, "We have all sorts of schools and colleges, grant-in-aid, government, private. Those who want AC college with Wifi, let them go to such institutes. This big allegation on BJP government is wrong. I was an education minister and had seen days when people had to pay money to get a job of a teacher. Now, the admission and recruitment is on merit."

In the video, she says, "We have so many medical colleges. Earlier there were 700 seats and now 3,500 seats. If a student gets admission in government college, he/she can become a doctor for free (at Rs 6000/yearly) and if in private, then 50% given by government."

She concluded her speech by urging people not to opt for any travel plans, owing to long weekend but vote.