BJP ’Will Suffer in 2017,’ Warns Hardik Patel at Mega Rally in Ahmedabad

Mangalore Today News Network

Ahmedabad, Aug 25 2015:  Ahmedabad came to a halt as about 60,000 members of the Patel community, led by the 21-year-old Hardik Patel, made their way to the Collector’s office this afternoon.

Most walked the five-odd km from the GMDC ground. Mr Patel and some others drove down. 

Earlier at the public ground, Hardik Patel put the BJP government in Gujarat on notice in several hard-hitting speeches. "If this government does not heed our demands, the lotus will not bloom in 2017," Mr Patel said, addressing an estimated three lakh members of the influential Patel community, seen as a crucial BJP vote-bank in the state.

The young businessman, who has recently shot to fame as the leader of the Patel agitation in Gujarat, emphasised that his movement is not aligned to any political party. "I am not attached to any party. Our fight is against the present system," he said.

He underscores that, saying, "We learn from everyone. We have learnt from PM Narendra Modi how to make good use of social networking...We have learnt from Arvind Kejriwal as well."

Hardik Patel invoked the legacy of Sardar Vallabhai Patel, seen as the tallest leader of the state and also idolised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "We are the descendants of Sardar Patel," Hardik said. Volunteers at the rally wore T-shirts with a picture of Sardar Patel and the legend "Patidaar" in Gujarati.

The Patels or Patidaars, who have for years wielded immense political and financial power in the state, now want to be counted among the economically and socially weak sections of society to qualify for quota in jobs and education.

The community’s show of strength today is a rejection of an appeal by Chief Minister Anandiben Patel, also from the same community, to call off the agitation. Hardik and other leaders have said they will sit on a fast today till the Chief Minister visits them and accepts a memorandum with their demands. 

"This agitation will end the day the government will indicate that it is willing to give us reservation," said Hardik Patel, describing the agitation as "a marathon, not a 100-metre race."

 

Courtesy: NDTV