In what can be considered a moral victory for the Anandiben Patel Government, the pro-quota Patidar leader and convener of Sardar Patel Group (SPG) lalji Patel on Monday endorsed the State Government's initiative to give 10 per cent reservation to Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) of non-reserved category in education and Government jobs.
lalji, who was in the jail for more than a month in connection with the ongoing pro-quota agitation of Patels, was released on conditional bail a few days ago. On Monday after meeting Gujarat CM Anandiben as well as senior Ministers Nitin Patel and Vijay Rupani, he admitted that reservation to EWS would be beneficial for all, including the Patidars.
SPG is one of the two main Patidar organisations, which are demanding reservation under OBC category to Patels in Government jobs and educational institutions for over 10 months. The other organisation is Hardik Patel-led Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS). The 22-year-old PAAS leader is still in jail in connection with two sedition cases related to pro-quota agitation for over seven months.
Though, the purpose of lalji and Hardik is similar, both the leaders are allegedly at loggerheads to take ownership of the ongoing agitation. Many times lalji was publically criticised by PAAS leaders.
Following his meeting with the Chief Minister, lalji said that he again raised the 29-point charter of demands, which were raised on March 11 this year, before the jail bharo agitation.
He further said that benefits of EWS reservation are already being taken by all non-reserved communities, including Patidars.