Gujaratis have emerged as a major block, even a force to consider Punjabis in the political field of Canada, as Indian -origin immigrants have consistently acquired land in the North American country which will hold federal elections later this month.
Indian migrants in Canada are vibrant and diverse – from Punjabi and Gujaratis, from Bengalis and Malayalis. While most of the Indian-Canadian community migrants are either students or high-skilled employees, Gujaratis and Punjabis usually have a commercial background.
In the last two decades, Punjabis were the only ones who entered the political field, but in 2025, are starting Gujaratis. Brampton in Ontario and Calgary in Alberta, both with an Indian-Canadian population, have emerged as a battleground as four Gujarati-origin candidates are contesting for parliamentary seats.
Political start
Most of the Gujarati-root candidates are the first generation immigrants. While Punjabis have a clear advantage in Canadian politics in terms of numbers, representation and a history – from MPs, from ministers, some cabinet ranks, as senior as senior, Gujaratis have spent decades at the ground level, performing ground tasks with an entrepreneurial approach and community service. He has also gained significant land in terms of social leadership.
The four Gujarati-root, who contested the 45th federal election in Canada on April 28, 2025, are Indian-Canadian Jayesh Brahmabhatta, Sujeev Rawal, Ashok Patel and Mynesh Patel.
Major competitive – a brief history
Jayesh brahmbhattBrampton moved from India to Canada in 2001, competing with Chingusis Park. A civil engineer by profession, Sri Brahmabhatta became a successful real estate developer in Canada. Now while living in Canada for nearly a quarter of a century, he entered politics and was given a ticket by the People’s Party.
Speaking to the Times of India, he said, “We stand for freedom, responsibility, fairness and respect for all, and somewhere it echoes with me”, saying that he is confident of a victory in the upcoming elections. “I have spoken to many people, and they seek change from this election,” he said.
Accepting the rise of the Indian community and regional sub-community in Canada, Shri Brahmabhatta said, “Political parties in Canada are now recognizing Indians as an important community in the political field, and are taking maximum advantage of the opportunity to represent and hear sub-groups such as Gujaratis.”
Sunjiv rawalAnother Gujarati-original Indian-Canadian, Calgary is election from Midnapur. He has been given a ticket by Liberal Party of Canada. Mr. Rawal is a successful businessman who owns a series of shops. Since going to Calgary over 20 years ago, he has been actively involved in community works and has represented several Indian community groups.
Accepting the cost of talking a lot about the canadians talking a lot more, Mr. Rawal said, “We are fighting on the issues that come up in the middle class, which are demanding better infrastructure and sports facilities, affordable housing and work opportunities for all.” He said that other political issues – immigration – require a balanced approach. “The country needs immigrants, but should have a balance. We hope to restore it with the right policies. We now have a voice,” he said.
This month is the third person of the Gujarati dynasty in the Canadian election. Ashok PatelThat and Mynesh PatelThe fourth Gujarati entering Canadian politics is contesting as independent candidates. While Ashok Patel is contesting from Edmonton Sherwood, Mynesh Patel has filed his nomination papers from the Calgary Skyview. Both are from a commercial background and now as MPs want to serve fellow Canadians.
The Conservative Party of Canada had briefly elected the fifth Gujarati as one of its candidates. His name is Don patelA successful reaaltar from Anand of Gujarat. He was considered for a ticket from Atobicok North, but did not make a final cut.
‘Not surprising’
It symbolizes a huge change in Indian community representation in Canada. By dominating Punjabis, the rise of Gujaratis in Canada’s political scenario has created diversity in representation, giving Canada voters a major option. Gujaratis are not replaced or competing with Punjabis, but are connecting the political base of the Indian community. It is also a welcome step because culturally diverse values will now shape the policy.
Talk to times of India Regarding the rise of Gujaratis in Canadian politics, Hemant Shah, director of International Trade at India of India Canada (OFIC), said he saw it. This is not surprising, he said. “Canada is a house of over 1 lakh Gujaratis. The community is present in almost all major cities, but more in Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Calgary and Vancouver. It is an important step in ensuring the representation of the community, which is the second largest after Punjabis,” he said.
Known turf
Punjabi representation in Canadian politics is known for some time. Some of the prominent names include Jagmeet Singh, leader of the New Democratic Party and the first Sikh leader to lead a party in Canada; Anita Anand, who is currently the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry; Kamal Khera, Health Minister; Sukh Dhaliwal, a Liberal Party MP, and Bardish Chagar, former minister of pre -diversity, inclusion and youth.