A day after announcing support to the on-going pro-quota agitation of Patidars, strong leuva Patel leader of Saurashtra region and Member of Parliament from Porbander, Vitthal Radadiya, on Tuesday met 22-year-old convener of Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) in Surat Jail.
Following the meeting Radadia claimed that he had convinced PAAS convener to give up indefinite fast. According to Radadia he went to meet Hardik at the behest of Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel and assured him of a proper solution through talks.
“We discussed over 35 issues that need to be resolved and most of them can easily be implemented by the State Government,” he claimed.
Hardik is on indefinite fast since February 17th seeking quotas for Patels and release of jailed Patel agitators locked in various jails across the state. Hardik was even admitted to Civil Hospital in Surat for couple of days after his health deteriorated. Hardik had begun consuming liquids following doctors’ suggestion.
Many eye-brows raised in the saffron party on Monday following sudden quote of Radadia before the media that if jats in Haryana can get quotas, so can Patels in Gujarat. Radadiya is the first BJP leader from the state who has come out openly in support of reservations for Patels, who have been on stir since July last. The state has seen violence on the issue, with 11 people losing lives during the quota stir.