AHMEDABAD: As soon as the Gujarat government announced 10 per cent reservation for the economically backward among upper castes, jailed Patidar quota agitation leader Hardik Patel roared that he will not act in hurry and study the decision before reaching a compromise to end the impasse over quota.
However, community leaders involved in talks with the government are pushing for an end to the Patel stir, saying the community’s two main demands have been fulfilled.
“I will first study the decision taken by the government and surely go for compromise (with the government over quota impasse) if it is in favour of the community,” he told reporters outside a Court in Visnagar, Mehsana district.
Harrdik said ,”I will take the matter of 10 per cent reservation to the (Patel) community after studying it properly. Solution to the issue is required for peace … and it is important for both the sides they compromise on the issue”.
This was Mr Patel’s first reaction to the reservation for EBCs (economically backward classes) announced by the BJP government for the poor among upper castes (up to annual family income of Rs. 6 lakh), which also include Patidars, in jobs and education.
Yesterday, spokespersons of the Hardik-floated Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) had rejected the move as another “lollipop” extended by the BJP and the state government to “mislead” their community.
Mr Patel is behind bars in the two sedition cases.Yesterday’s decision was taken at a meeting of Gujarat BJP’s core group, where party’s president Amit Shah was also present.