MP Govind Dholakia  Faces Backlash Over Surat Airport

Surat : Govind Dholakia, a prominent figure in both the diamond industry and politics, has recently stirred a significant debate over the development of Surat’s airport and its air connectivity. Dholakia, who chairs Shree Ramkrishna Exports and the Surat Diamond Bourse (SDB), as well as serving as a BJP Rajya Sabha MP, has come under fire for his contrasting statements regarding the air travel facilities in Surat. His remarks have sparked a wave of reactions, particularly from the high-flying community in Surat, who accuse him of double standards.

During the inauguration of 250 new diamond offices at the Surat Diamond Bourse on July 7, Dholakia highlighted what he described as “injustice” towards Surat in terms of air connectivity and airport development. He pointed out that Surat, despite being a major economic hub, currently has only 30 flights operating daily, which falls drastically short of the actual requirement of 300 flights. Dholakia’s criticism was particularly pointed when he contrasted Surat’s situation with that of other cities, such as Brussels in Belgium and Indore in Madhya Pradesh.

Dholakia’s discontent was made evident as he drew a parallel between Brussels and Surat. “A decade ago, the city of Brussels, with a population of 20 lakh, had about 300 daily flights, while Surat, with a population of 40 lakh, did not have a single flight,” Dholakia said. “Now, Surat is the ninth-largest city in India in terms of population, yet it ranks 37th in air passenger traffic. This is a significant injustice. I appeal to the Central Government, Airports Authority of India (AAI), and the airlines to shift their focus to Surat—you will not be disappointed.”

His remarks didn’t stop at international comparisons. Dholakia also expressed his frustration by pointing out that Indore, a city with a population of 32 lakh, operates around 100 flights daily. Meanwhile, Surat, with a population of 82 lakh, struggles with less than 30 flights. “This disparity is not just a matter of inconvenience; it is a glaring injustice to the people of Surat,” he added.

However, Dholakia’s recent speech in the Rajya Sabha presented a different narrative. In the upper house, he praised the BJP government for its efforts in developing Surat’s air connectivity. “In 2014, Surat airport was connected by only four flights, and today, in 2024, we have 34 flights. Thanks to PM Modi, Surat has gained international status, and our city’s business and tourism sectors have received a major boost with direct flights to Dubai and Sharjah,” Dholakia stated.

This contradictory stance has not gone unnoticed. A video of Dholakia’s speech at the SDB event has gone viral on social media, drawing mixed reactions. While some applaud his advocacy for improved air connectivity, others, particularly from the Surat business community, accuse him of playing politics and showing double standards.

Interestingly, Dholakia’s critique found unexpected support from Congress leaders after his July 7 speech at the SDB. They shared his video across their social media platforms, voicing their agreement with the concerns he raised about Surat’s air connectivity.