Hardik Patel detained, released; throws open challenge to Guj govt
26 Aug 2015 5:59 AM IST
In a mega show of strength to push their demand for inclusion in OBC category for reservation, the Patel community on Tuesday warned the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Gujarat that it will face consequences in 2017 Assembly polls if the plea is not accepted, saying the “lotus” will not bloom again.
The police detained Hardik Patel, 22, who has been spearheading the Patel community’s agitation, as he launched a hunger strike after the rally at the GMDC ground without permission, officials said. However, he was released in less than an hour after he was detained. Patel is convener of Patidar <g data-gr-id="36">Anamat</g> Andolan Samiti. “Vastrapur police station’s inspector MM Shaikh went to the GMDC ground and detained Hardik Patel as he sat on dharna (and hunger strike) without taking police permission,” said police station officer Pravin Solanki.
The police lathi-charged a large crowd till <g data-gr-id="42">9pm</g> at the venue where Patel had earlier led a mega-rally. Mediapersons were injured in the indiscriminate action and their equipment was damaged. As news of Patel’s detention spread, cases of arson were reported, allegedly by enraged supporters.
Patel has emerged as the strong face of a huge campaign, demanding reservation in government jobs and colleges for his caste, the affluent and influential <g data-gr-id="34">Patels</g> or Patedars.
On Tuesday, lakhs of people belonging to the Patel community, had gathered to listen to the Patel, who issued a clear warning to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Gujarat. “In the next (Gujarat) elections in 2017, the lotus (BJP symbol) will not bloom if our needs are not met,” he said at the packed public ground, around which nearly 20,000 security personnel were posted.
The Patels have for decades been loyal supporters of the BJP. Chief Minister Anandiben Patel has said they cannot be added to the list of <g data-gr-id="43">castes</g> entitled to quotas because Gujarat has hit the cap of 50 per cent reservation ordered by the Supreme Court.
<g data-gr-id="35">Traditionally</g> farmers and traders, the Patels say their children now needs employment outside family-owned enterprises and must have easier access to medical and engineering colleges.
Later in the day, clashes were reported from various parts of the city as the police resorted to baton-charge and lobbed tear gas shells to control the situation.
The ‘Maha Kranti’ rally comes after a month-long agitation by the Patel community for their quota demand “If you do not give our right (reservation), we will snatch it. Whoever will talk of <g data-gr-id="44">interest</g> of Patels will rule over Patels,” Hardik told the gathering.
“In 1985, we had uprooted Congress from Gujarat, on Tuesday there is BJP. 2017 (state election year) is coming...<g data-gr-id="37">lotus</g> will not bloom in the mud, it will never bloom. If you will talk about our interest then only we will nurture your lotus,” he said, warning the state government.
Nitish lends support to <g data-gr-id="96">Patels</g>
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday lent support to the Patel community in Gujarat, demanding its inclusion in the OBC category and said the state government “could delay” it, but cannot ‘turn a blind eye’ over the issue. “You can delay the demand but cannot wish it away,” Kumar said. “I extend my good wishes to the people of Patel and Patidar castes agitating for the justified demand of inclusion in OBC category. “Their demand is justified. In other parts of the country similar kind of <g data-gr-id="87">castes</g> are getting the facility which is denied to <g data-gr-id="85">the them</g> in Gujarat,” the Chief Minister said.
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