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Surat: Socially united, politically divided

Social leaders fear split among communities due to politics

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State BJP chief Jitu Vaghani at an election meet in Ahmedabad
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A sudden split has opened up between Mool Surti (native of Surat) and Bin-Surti (migrated) on the issue of Lok Sabha ticket. Political rivalry has become more aggressive between the two factions and the social leaders of both communities have shown deep concerns about the issue.

A native of Surat and psychiatrist by profession, Dr Mukul Choksi says, "Surat and Surtis have the nature to accept all and therefore all the communities have been living here peacefully and have prospered here. But the recent political development could have by and large an adverse impact over this equilibrium. The political personalities would try to exploit benefits from this situation, but people should understand. Otherwise, there is no rift among communities, may it be on the social or professional front."

People from north India started looms here in the late '60s whereas people from Gujarat's Saurashtra region started to settle here in the early '70s and they started working as labourers in diamond polishing units here.

After that, within a span of just three decades, growth in the city skyrocketed as compared to earlier years. The population of Bin Surti is almost double that of the Mool Surti in this city. Political representation has also grown proportionately and in politics, all portfolios are distributed amicably.

People from Saurashtra and from the Patel community have a great contribution in the development of Surat. The community represents over 35% of the city's population and are front runners in businesses such as diamond, textile, realty and others. They have large social groups and have established many social and religious organisations in the city in cooperation with Mool Surti people.

Native of Babra town of Amreli district in Saurashtra and social leader of Patel community in Surat, Kanjibhai Bhalala says, "I do not see any dispute between communities here as Surat has accepted us heartily. It is obvious that Surti people are acquiescent and therefore progress is slow whereas the Patel community from Saurashtra is very passionate by nature for growth and therefore, they grew at a higher rate and more pace. We have raised many social organisations that work for all communities without bias."

A social leader and businessman Sharad Kapadiya said, "I do not think the social fibre will become weak, even if any forces try to do so. The young generations of all communities have mingled very well and it is impossible to demarcate them."

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