Gujarat elections 2022: Family in Kamrej that stays together and votes together

A joint family in Kamrej is the centre of attention in Gujarat elections. The family, with 81 members, is a unique example of a people exercising their voting franchise together, as per a TOI report.

The Solanki family went to the Navagam polling booth in multiple vehicles to cast their votes. They said they want to spread a message about how important it is to participate in the election process.

"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," Ghanshyam, one of the 17 brothers, told TOI.


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.

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, the eldest son.

Family history

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 size is 96, of whom 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.