In order to counter possible demonstrations of Patidar Anamat Anadolan Samiti (PAAS) supporters during India and South Africa One-Day International match at Rajkot, the host Saurashtra Cricket Association (SCA) has decided to take some precautionary measures and warn agitators of throwing them out of the stadium and filing criminal cases against them.
As part of precautionary measure, SCA has decided to take ID proof from all the purchasers of the tickets for the International cricket match to be played on October 18. Besides, it has also been decided to sell two tickets per person. It has also been decided that live telecast camera would not be focused on a group of people who are found agitating for pro-quota demand.
“We would ensure that the stadium would not convert into political fight. SCA volunteers will keep watch on the crowd. If anybody is found throwing stones, other articles or dares to raise slogans and tries to disturb the match, he would not only be thrown out of the stadium but SCA will register criminal case against the person,” said SCA secretary Niranjan Shah.
The State Government has directed the match organisers not to issue bulk tickets and insist on furnishing of identity cards before issuing tickets from the booking window.
PAAS and the Sardar Patel Group (SPG) — the two organisations spearheading the pro-quota agitation for reservation in jobs and education for Patels under OBC category, have threatened to stage demonstrations during the cricket match by wearing uniform T-shirts and caps, waving flags and shouting slogans and showing banners. The supporters of PAAS and SPG have also claimed to have purchased 13,000 tickets to ensure their entry inside Khanduri Stadium situated on the outskirts of Rajkot.
Not only SCA officials, but Rajkot police are also wary over the announcements of PAAS and SPG. Concerned over the possibility of demonstration, Gujarat CM Anandiben Patel, who planned to watch the match, may cancel her visit to Rajkot on October 18th.