As Canada gears up for its 45th federal election on 28 April 2025, a noticeable shift is taking place within the country’s vibrant Indian diaspora.
While Punjabi-origin leaders have long held a strong foothold in Canadian politics, this year sees the political debut of Gujarati-origin Indian-Canadians, who are entering the electoral fray in notable numbers.
Four Gujarati-origin candidates—Jayesh Brahmbhatt, Sunjiv Raval, Ashok Patel, and Minesh Patel—are standing for parliamentary seats in this year’s general election.
This marks a significant moment for the Gujarati community in Canada, as they seek to expand their presence beyond business and community leadership into mainstream politics.
The Indian-Canadian population is among the largest and most diverse ethnic communities in the country.
While the community includes migrants from various parts of India, including Bengal and Kerala, it is predominantly Gujaratis and Punjabis who have played leading roles—particularly in commerce, community welfare, and now, increasingly, in politics.
Historically, Punjabi-origin leaders have led the charge in political representation, with figures such as Jagmeet Singh, leader of the New Democratic Party, and Anita Anand, Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry, securing influential positions. However, the upcoming election may signal a broadening of this base.
Jayesh Brahmbhatt, who is contesting from Brampton Chinguacousy Park, arrived in Canada in 2001. A civil engineer by training, he found success as a real estate developer and has now stepped into politics with the People's Party.
Confident in his campaign, Mr Brahmbhatt said he is inspired by the values of freedom, fairness, and responsibility. He believes there is a growing appetite for change among voters and is determined to bring a Gujarati voice to Parliament.
Sunjiv Raval, a long-time Calgary resident, is contesting from Calgary Midnapore on a Liberal Party ticket. A successful entrepreneur with a chain of retail stores, Mr Raval has long been active in local community work.
He has highlighted key campaign issues such as affordable housing, infrastructure, and opportunities for youth. He also called for a more balanced immigration policy, noting that while Canada continues to need migrants, planning is key to sustainable growth.
Ashok Patel and Minesh Patel are running as Independent candidates from Edmonton Sherwood and Calgary Skyview respectively. Both candidates hail from business backgrounds and have now turned their attention to public service.
Their entry into the political arena represents the growing desire among Gujarati-Canadians to play a more active role in shaping policy and governance.
There was also a potential fifth Gujarati candidate. Don Patel, a real estate professional originally from Anand in Gujarat, was briefly considered by the Conservative Party for a nomination in Etobicoke North. However, he did not make it to the final list.
The rise of Gujarati candidates is not seen as a competition with Punjabi political figures, but rather as an expansion of the Indian community’s political representation.
With over 100,000 Gujaratis residing across major Canadian cities including Toronto, Ottawa, Calgary, and Vancouver, the timing of their political emergence seems ripe.
Hemant Shah, Director of International Trade at Overseas Friends of India Canada (OFIC), believes this development has been years in the making. Having lived in Canada for over four decades, Mr Shah sees the growing participation of Gujaratis in elections as both natural and necessary.
According to him, regardless of the electoral outcomes, the very act of contesting marks an important step forward for the community.
Meanwhile, Punjabi representation remains strong. Prominent leaders such as Jagmeet Singh, Kamal Khera, and Sukh Dhaliwal continue to be influential figures in Canadian politics.
The Punjabi community, with its long-standing political legacy, has paved the way for other Indian-origin communities to follow suit.
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