OBC quota: Patels to stage rally today, call for bandh

According to the convener of ‘Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti’ Hardik Patel, who is leading the agitation, demanding reservation for Patels under OBC quota, the ‘Maha-Kranti Rally’ will be organised after the mass gathering at GMDC ground, where at least 25 lakh people belonging to the community are expected to take part.

The announcement to organise a rally after the mass gathering may come as a surprise to administrators as till Sunday there was no application made to take out the rally, but only the mass public meeting.

“Our community members will start arriving at the venue from 8 am to take part in the mass gathering at the GMDC Ground. The gathering will be addressed by our leaders at 11.30 am. After that, we will take out our ‘Maha Kranti Rally’ to hand over memorandum to the district Collector,” Patel said.

He added: “We expect that at least 25 lakh people would attend the gathering and the rally. To avoid any inconvenience to people, we have called for a complete ‘bandh’ of city as well as of Gujarat. I appeal to the authorities to close schools, colleges and other businesses tomorrow.” 

On Sunday, Joint Commissioner of Police (Special Branch) Vikas Sahay had said that the permission was given only for the gathering at GMDC Ground and not for the rally, as the <g data-gr-id="44">samiti</g> had not applied for it till yesterday.

However, turning the tables on the police, Patel has claimed that the rally is very much on their agenda. “We will apply for permission for the maha rally on Monday. I am sure that the police will cooperate and give us permission. Even if they don’t give permission, we will definitely organise the rally,” Patel said.

The proposed rally will pass through one of the <g data-gr-id="34">most</g> busiest areas of <g data-gr-id="35">western</g> part of <g data-gr-id="36">city</g> and cover almost 7 km, before ending at Collector's office near RTO circle.

Patel said the rally will commence from GMDC ground and then reach the Sardar Patel <g data-gr-id="31">cross roads</g> in Navrangpura via <g data-gr-id="30">Helmate</g> <g data-gr-id="32">cross roads</g> and Commerce Six Roads.