Insulted by Hardik supporters, Patel quota leader quits outfit

Differences among the Patidar quota agitation leaders once again came to fore on Sunday when one of them, Lalji Patel, resigned as chief of the group he was heading after he was not allowed to go on the stage of a community meet in Mehasana.

Head of Sardar Patel Group (SPG), Lalji faced the ire of members from another outfit, Hardik Patel-led Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS), when he arrived at the meeting’s venue, about 65km from here.

PAAS and SPG are the two organisations which are leading the agitation for reservation to Patels in jobs and education in Gujarat under the OBC category.

As Lalji reached the meeting venue, organised by the community’s women, some PAAS members shouted slogans against him and an announcement was made that he should not be allowed on the stage. Feeling slighted, Lalji immediately left the venue.