Gujarati-Canadians Step Into Canadian Politics as Punjabis Look to Continue Legacy in 2025 Elections
For the first time in Canadian history, the Gujarati community is making its political debut in the country’s federal elections, with four candidates of Gujarati origin contesting in the 45th Canadian federal election set for April 28, 2025. While Punjabi-Canadians have long dominated the political stage, the emergence of Gujaratis marks a significant and welcome shift in representation within the Indian diaspora.
The Indian-Canadian community is one of the most vibrant and diverse groups in Canada, consisting of Punjabis, Gujaratis, Bengalis, Malayalis, and more. While many Indians in Canada arrive as students or skilled professionals, those from Punjabi and Gujarati backgrounds are often rooted in business. Over the past two decades, Punjabis were the only Indian-origin group to enter Canadian politics in significant numbers. That is now changing, as Gujaratis step into the spotlight.
New Faces, New Voices
The four Gujarati-origin candidates include Jayesh Brahmbhatt, Sunjiv Raval, Ashok Patel, and Minesh Patel. Their candidacies span key battleground regions with high Indian-Canadian populations—Brampton in Ontario and Calgary in Alberta.
Jayesh Brahmbhatt, a civil engineer-turned-real estate developer who moved to Canada in 2001, is contesting from Brampton Chinguacousy Park on a People’s Party ticket. With over two decades of experience living and working in Canada, Brahmbhatt believes the time for change has come. “We stand for freedom, responsibility, fairness, and respect for all—and that resonates with me,” he told Times of India, expressing optimism about his chances.
Sunjiv Raval, running from Calgary Midnapore under the Liberal Party, is a successful businessman who has also been actively engaged in community work for more than 20 years. He’s campaigning on middle-class issues such as affordable housing, infrastructure, and job opportunities, while also advocating for a more balanced immigration policy. “We now have a voice,” he says.
Ashok Patel, contesting from Edmonton Sherwood, and Minesh Patel, running from Calgary Skyview, are both independents. Like the others, they come from a business background and are hoping to channel their experience into serving their communities through public office.
A fifth Gujarati, Don Patel, was briefly considered by the Conservative Party for a nomination in Etobicoke North, but ultimately didn’t make the final list. A well-known realtor from Anand, Gujarat, his inclusion, even temporarily, reflects the growing influence of Gujaratis in Canada’s political space.
Not Replacing, But Expanding the Base
The rise of Gujarati candidates doesn’t signal a shift away from Punjabi representation, but rather an expansion of the Indian political footprint in Canada. Punjabis remain a dominant force, with leaders like Jagmeet Singh (NDP leader), Anita Anand (Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry), Kamal Khera (Minister of Health), Sukh Dhaliwal (Liberal MP), and Bardish Chagger (former minister) continuing to hold key positions.
The addition of Gujaratis to this mix is a reflection of a broader, more inclusive political fabric. “This is not a surprise,” says Hemant Shah, Director of International Trade at Overseas Friends of India Canada (OFIC). “There are over 1 lakh Gujaratis in Canada now, especially in cities like Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Calgary, and Vancouver. Whether they win or not, this election marks a huge step forward in representation for the community.”
Most of these Gujarati candidates are first-generation immigrants who have built their lives in Canada from the ground up. Their entry into politics is not just a personal milestone—it’s a testament to the years of grassroots work, community service, and entrepreneurial spirit that define much of the Gujarati diaspora.
As Canada heads into its federal election later this month, voters will see not only familiar Punjabi names on the ballots but also new Gujarati faces—signaling a richer, more representative political future for Indian-Canadians.
News Source : “Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.”
