The Gujarat government on Sunday virtually ruled out OBC quota for the Patel community, setting the stage for a confrontation with agitators ahead of a gathering called by them here on Tuesday even as members of OBC communities threatened to "uproot" the government if the Patels' demand was met.
The government is at present holding a meeting with the representatives of Patel community to find a solution to the impasse.
Gujarat CM Anandiben Patel cited the Constitution and Supreme Court judgements in a print and video message to the people of the state to say that "we cannot make any changes in the structure of reservations for SCs, STs and OBCs, nor can we give reservation beyond 50 per cent".
"Various state governments at different points of time gave reservation by going against the constitution and Supreme Court judgements... We do not want to do that. This state government does not believe in making fake promises," Patel said while appealing to the agitating members of the
Patel community to shun the protests and "join the path of the state's development".
Her public message came just two days ahead of a mega gathering called by Patel community members here.
The CM asked the agitators to hold talks with the government instead of organising rallies which, she said, may harm the economy of the state.
Meanwhile, Patel community leader Hardik Patel said their agitation will continue."Chief Minister has given her message today, but Patel community members will ignore that (message) and come in large numbers for the rally (on August 25)," he said.
Meanwhile, in a related development, thousands of members of OBC communities held a rally near Sabarmati Ashram against the agitation by Patels.
Govt warns of stern action against trouble makers
Ahmedabad: The Gujarat government on Sunday warned of stern action against those attending the mega rally of Patels on Tuesday who try to create law and order problems. "If anybody does any provocative act or if they try to take law in their hands during the rally, the state government and the police will take stern action against them," said state government spokesperson and Health Minister Nitin Patel. His statement comes a day after the Patel community leader, Hardik Patel said that government and the police will be held responsible if their rally turns violent.
"We want to hold the rally (on August 25) peacefully, but if they (government or police) try to stop us, we will not remain silent. If violence happens, the government and the police will be responsible for that," Hardik, convener of 'Patidar <g data-gr-id="56">Anamat</g> Andolan Samiti' who is spearheading the agitation, had said.