DNA EXCLUSIVE: Migrants will continue to contribute to Gujarat's growth, says Gujarat Deputy CM Nitin Patel

Attempts by the Congress and its allied organisation to gain mileage by playing politics over migrants would not work in Gujarat, said Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel. He added that migrants would continue to live peacefully in the state. In an exclusive interview with DNA, the Deputy CM said that the recent developments have not dented Gujarat's image as the country's growth engine, and added that it has not impacted investments as well.

How do you see the recent 'oust migrants' campaign when the Gujarat government was preparing for the inauguration of Statue of Unity?

Let me be categorical that the Congress and its organisations are responsible for the exodus of migrants who were until recently living in a peaceful atmosphere and contributing to the Gujarat's growth. Migrants, especially from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, were targeted. Some of them have left the state, but the government has swung into action and brought the situation under control. Those instigating 'oust migrants' campaign and indulging in violence have been arrested. FIRs were registered against those who were spreading rumours through social media as well. The opposition's attempt to tarnish the state's image will not work as the government is resolved to protect every one residing in the state.

Why is Congress legislator Alpesh Thakor still not arrested even as your government held him responsible for inciting the anti-migrant protests?

Police have started investigations. Let them do their job.

Has the state government's action started yielding results? Have migrants started coming back?

What has happened is history now. The state government has reached out to migrants who have left. They have already started returning to the state and are set to rejoin their jobs and businesses. Factory owners will retain services of those who are coming back.

People migrate where there are jobs. There are lakhs of North Indians as well as people from Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Odisha who have settled in Gujarat. In fact, Maharashtra-born citizens were elected to local and civic bodies as well as state legislature and in the Lok Sabha. The people from Gujarat believe in national unity.

I want to reiterate that those associated with the Congress ran anti-migrants campaign to get publicity and hog limelight. The BJP-led government in the state will foil any such attempts and strongly remain with everyone residing in the state. The situation is under control. I want to make it clear that the migration issue will not have any adverse impact on investments and state's economy.

Do you think the recent agitation was a result of failure of the much debated Gujarat model?

Gujarat model has been a role model for the entire country. The state has been a growth engine and will continue to be in future too. BJP government's move to release sector specific policies have helped spur growth, attract investments and generate jobs. The gross income in agriculture alone has surged to a record Rs 1,35,000 crore in 2017-18 as opposed to Rs 8,000-10,000 crore few years ago.