Gandhinagar: Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat Nitin Patel today told media persons in Gandhinagar that Chief Minister Vijay Rupani is positive to think about three out of four issues, representation for which was made by Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti(PAAS) before three-minister committee of Gujarat govt last week.

Nitin Patel who was one of the members of committee formed by the state government to hold talks with 11 conveners of PAAS said he along with other committee member and minister Pradipsinh Jadeja shared details of talks with Chief Minister. The Chief Minister is positive to think about three out of four issues, on which representation has been made by PAAS. The fourth issue is pending as we are yet to hear from PAAS.

Nitin Patel said the Chief Minister is positive to think about three of four issues that are about withdrawal of cases against Patidar agitators in connection of agitation, formation of ‘aayog’ and probe into role of police.

On fourth issue which is the issue of giving reservation quota to Patidars, Nitin Patel said the government is yet to hear from PAAS. He said, “we had asked PAAS conveners during the meeting last week that they should submit notification, order, details if any state government had given reservation quota beyond 49% after 1994 Supreme Court order so that Gujarat government can study it and think about it. However no supporting documents, notifications, details are submitted yet by PAAS. They may be in process of doing so. Minister Pradipsinh Jadeja is in contact with them so that this can be taken up in next meeting, whenever it takes place.”

In reply to a question by media person, Nitin Patel said if PAAS wishes ‘Other Backward Class(OBC)’ status for Patidars, it needs to apply before OBC Commission for that. The government has assured that it will ask OBC Commission to speed up the survey and other processes in such case. Any reservation quota within 49% has to be given as per constitutional provisions because otherwise the court will disapprove and turn down the decision eventually. Nitin Patel gave several examples including the example of Maharashtra to support this argument.

After year 1994 verdict of Supreme Court, no government in state is capable to give reservation quota beyond 49%, while for inclusion in OBC category, OBC commission has to be approached. After survey if OBC commission make recommendation, the government can proceed in direction to give OBC inclusion, Patel said.

In reference to negative remarks by PAAS conveners on their meeting with government, Nitin Patel said, “PAAS conveners told media persons that govt was not there in the meeting with proper preparation. PAAS conveners also told media that if government wants to just pass the time, PAAS will not allow that.”

Patel said when talks are going on, both sides should show restraint.

He said, the government intends that all should go together in development march of Gujarat. Whatever legally and constitutionally possible will be done by government. One person may remain unsatisfied, but by-and-large people should be satisfied. The government wants to achieve atmosphere of peace and satisfaction.

On Economic Backward Class(EBC) reservation, Nitin Patel said the issue is pending in Supreme Court. The government has hired best advocates to make EBC a success.

DeshGujarat