Cow slaughterers and bootleggers didn't vote for us: Gujarat minister Pradipsinh Jadeja

Pradipsinh Jadeja, the minister of state for home in Gujarat, said that the BJP did not get the votes of cow slaughterers, bootleggers and people distressed over triple talaq ruling in the latest assembly polls. Jadeja was speaking at the Assembly on Thursday during a debate on the Governor's address. He also said that those whose lives changed after the developmental initiatives of Gujarat government voted for BJP.

Jadeja said, "BJP did not get the votes of cow slaughterers, as we introduced strict action against cow slaughter. Neither did we get the votes of bootleggers, as the liquor prohibition act got stricter. These sections apart, we did not get the votes of people who were distressed by the teen talaq ruling, and owners of private schools, since an act was introduced to regulate the fee. All those votes went to Congress. We are happy that those whose lives were changed through the developmental initiatives, did vote for BJP."

"The BJP came to power for the sixth consecutive term and all the Lok Sabha members are from our party in the state. This shows that the people of Gujarat have deep faith in the saffron party. Congress was dethroned 33 years ago, and this is why they indulge in destructive politics," Jadeja added.

Dr Anil Joshiyara, a senior Congressman from Bhiloda, said, "Your government has lost sensitivity for farmers' issues. They denied them water for irrigation and crores of liters of water was just wasted. The neighbouring state Madhya Pradesh can release water to Gujarat, but you are not taking any initiative and playing with the fate of the farmers."

Vikram Madam, Congress MLA from Khambhaliya, also took a jibe at BJP and said, "Your government should introspect into their conscience. The reality in the state is far from the rosy picture that is painted. There is also a shortage of staff in government hospitals and people suffer due to this."