Patel protest reaches Delhi, Hardik sounds out Jat, Gujjar leaders

Patel, the 22-year-old leader, who held a series of meeting with various community leaders said “Whatever has happened in Gujarat, we want to take it at the national level and there are people around 12 states who are connected to us,”

Hardik had led a massive rally on August 25 to press for quota for Patidar community under OBC category in Ahmedabad. His detention was followed by widespread violence which claimed the lives of ten people including a police constable and kept the state administration on tenterhooks. 

While addressing a press conference in Delhi, Hardik <g data-gr-id="29">said</g> “We intend to organise a mega rally in Lucknow, and at the Jantar Mantar. We will give a call to all the Patels of India,” he said. 

While favouring reservation for the poor from every community, he said, “The country has gone back 60 years because of reservations and this has hindered its prospects of becoming a super power. Those who score good marks but are still unable to get admission require <g data-gr-id="27">reservation</g>. 

“The day there is a proper blueprint on <g data-gr-id="39">reservation</g>, we can strengthen our country and take it to a new level.” 

Hardik, the convener of Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti, also lashed out at the Gujarat Police for its action during the agitation and said he will be holding a mega-rally in Madhya Pradesh on Monday against it. “Today the system has become weak and youth are not getting employment. Farmers are committing suicide and those who have a MBA degree have become salesman,” he said.

When asked about his views on political parties and leaders, he said, “We have never opposed any person, any political party or any community. We are fighting for our rights and it should be given to us.”  Defending his demand for reservation for his community, Hardik said 70 lakh people had participated in the rallies, which means “they felt the pain”. 

“People say Patels are very prosperous, but only 5-10 <g data-gr-id="26">per cent</g> people are prosperous, not the entire community. When asked about his political views, Hardik said he likes the views of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and dressing sense of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his thoughts on the security of the nation. “I am not a politician and have no intentions of becoming one,” he said.