Amidst tight security, Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) leader Hardik Patel kick-started indefinite fast agitation on Saturday to mark third anniversary of mega-rally at GMDC ground in Ahmedabad that actually shaped up his political career.
As the authorities in Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar denied PAAS a ground for the high-profile fast agitation, the 25-year-old Hardik decided to begin fast agitation with same old demand to give reservation to Patels in Government jobs and educational institutions under OBC category. This time he has also decided to raise issues related to farmers as large section of Patel or Patidar community is earning their breads through agriculture related activities across the State.
Patel initiate fast agitation by offering prayers to Patidar community goddesses Umiya Mata and Khodiyar Mata at around 3 pm on Saturday at his residence situated on Sarkhej-Gandhinagar high-way, the road which connects Gujarat’s commercial capital Ahmedabad with the State’s administrative capital Gandhinagar.
According to police permission for the venue was not granted to PAAS after detailed review of law and order situation. Gujarat’s additional DGP RB Brahmbhatt told the reporters that entire State had witnessed incidences of violence post August 25, 2015 mega rally. Brahmbhatt further said that just last week when Hardik set for a token fast, incidences of violence and unrest registered in Ahmedabad and other places.
With tight security arrangement near Vaishnodevi circle Hardik had to start his fast agitation with handful of supporters who joined him wearing white Gandhian caps. On the caps of PAAS activists slogans ‘Jai Sardar, Jai Kisan’ and ‘Inquilab Zindabaad’ has been written. The banners in the background also had pictures of Bhagat Singh, Sardar Patel and Mahatma Gandhi, along with a replica of a plough, the symbol of farming community like Patels.
Hardik alleged that more than 16,000 PAAS supporters wanted to join him but they were detained in different parts of Gujarat. However the police denied the allegation saying that it is wrong propaganda as the police have detained not more than 200 people across the State so far. Although the police would take strict action against those who would try to disturb peace and harmony in the State, said Brahmbhatt adding that already section 144 has been imposed in Ahmedabad in wake of festive season to maintain law and order situation and if anyone would try to breach it, police would be forced to take stern action.
In the early evening some Muslim leaders of Congress party tried to meet Hardik at his residence with large number of party’s workers but they were not allowed to go inside the society where Hardik resides. leader of Opposition in Gujarat Assembly Paresh Dhanani said that ruling BJP Government had snatched basic right of agitation and behaving like British Government of pre-Independence era.
On the other hand Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel termed the agitation as nothing but Congress orchestrated political drama keeping 2019 lok Sabha polls in mind. According to DyCM already the State Government had taken plethora of measure for the economically weaker sections in non-reserved category.