JOIN US “I have only two objectives. The first, fight to get reservation for the Patidars, and second, to free our state from the rule of fear,” said Hardik Patel, the face of the Patel quota stir. Hardik was addressing his maiden rally at Himmatnagar in north Gujarat on his return from a six-month exile.
Reiterating the demand of reservation for Patels in government jobs and educational institutions under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) quota, the 23-year-old threatened, “If you don’t give us (reservation), we will snatch it.” The ground at Himmatnagar was filled to its capacity, with people wearing white caps with Jai Sardar written on one side and Jai Patidar on the other.
Stressing that his fight was aimed at bringing good governance in the state, Hardik said he was even prepared to take General Dyer head on.
“The first General Dyer attacked India’s freedom fighters, utilising a narrow entry in the ground. This General Dyer attacked us in open, under free India, and killed 14 Patidar youth,” he said, in what is believed to be an indirect reference to BJP national president Amit Shah.
“I don’t blame the police. It is not your (police) fault. You too are servants of your masters. I am sure they will soon put me in jail. At 23, I am facing the country’s topmost charge of sedition, either they will hang me or they will put me in jail under life term.
Reacting to Hardik’s return, Chief Minister Vijay Rupani said his government was willing to hold talks without any pre-conditions.