Ahead of PM's visit, Hardik Patel launches Nyay Yatra, shaves head

Patel quota agitation leader Hardik Patel and his 50 supporters today shaved their heads alleging atrocities that their community has faced under BJP government.

Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit, Patel and his supporters launched a march for justice. They embarked on Nyay Yatra from Botad district, highlighting their demands, including inclusion in the OBC category for reservation.

"Along with the 50 PAAS members, I decided to get our heads shaved to highlight the atrocities committed by this government on our community in the last two years. Now, we are embarking on the Nyay Yatra to seek justice," Hardik told reporters.

The march, which commenced from Botad, would pass through around 50 villages and end in neighbouring Bhavnagar city.

THE BATTLE FOR QUOTA BEGINS AGAIN

A few days back, Hardik had announced restarting of the quota stir in Gujarat and said his main goal was to defeat the ruling BJP in the upcoming Assembly polls.

The 23-year-old quota leader had accused the state government of dilly-dallying on the issue of reservation to Patel community and warned that the ruling party would face consequences in the assembly polls if it did come up with a definitive plan on the issue at the earliest.

Hardik's move came ahead of Modi's scheduled two-day visit to his home state from tomorrow. The PM is slated to attend the annual general meeting of African Development Bank and other programmes.

(With inputs from PTI)

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