Gujarat elections 2022: This jumbo family in Kamrej stays together, votes together

SURAT: At a time when disputes between siblings or between a father and a child have become a common occurrence, this family of 81 members is a unique example of unity, harmony and bonding. More importantly, their zeal to exercise their franchise together.
The Solanki family in Kamrej wants to give a message how important it is to participate in the election process. The eldest voter in the family is 82-year-old Shamjibhai and the youngest ones are 18-year-old Parth and Vedant who are first-time voters.
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The Solanki family will go to Navagam polling booth in multiple vehicles to cast their votes on Thursday. Of the 81 members, 60 are registered voters. "At the age of 82, my father is very enthusiastic about voting and inspires us all to vote," said Nandlal, son of Shamjibhai.
'We want to encourage others to take part in polls'
We jointly participate in voting with enthusiasm the way we participate in a marriage function in the family. Through this, we want to encourage others to participate in elections," said Ghanshyam, one of the 17 brothers.
In 1985, one of six brothers, Lalji Solanki, a blacksmith by profession from Lakhiyani of Botad, came to the city and settled in Kamrej. He, along with his brothers, started making agricultural equipment and gradually the family grew. Currently, the family's size is 96 of whom 15 live in a village while 81 live in Kamrej.
"We now run a manufacturing unit of farming equipment and have developed a brand called Jyoti. The family jointly runs the business," said Pradip, a brother.

"Most of the members live in a joint family, and it has its advantages. We share responsibilities hence everyone gets some free time," said Nirali, a woman from the family.
The home they live in has a huge hall that allows them to assemble in one place for family functions. As the family is growing, they are facing space issues when a son gets married.

"The majority of the members live in the same home where they grew up while young members are going to live in separate houses after marriage,'' said Ghanshyam.
"The family unanimously decided to vote together to make a strong nation. We will not go by caste or any other illusions," said Bhavesh, another brother.