File Photo: Members of Patidar Patel community holding a protest demanding reservation in education and government jobs in Gandhinagar (PTI)
Two days ahead of a mega rally called by the Patel community to press their demand for OBC status, Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel today ruled out any reservation for them citing the Constitution and Supreme Court judgements.
The chief minister also urged the members of the said community to end their ongoing agitation.
"As per the Constitution and judgements of Supreme Court, we cannot make any changes in the structure of reservations for SCs, STs and OBCs, nor can we give reservation beyond 50 per cent," she said today in a print and video message to the people of Gujarat.
"Various state governments at different points of time gave reservation by going against the constitution and Supreme Court judgements... We do not want to do that. This state government does not believe in making fake promises," Ms Patel said.
"Today, I make this appeal to end this agitation and jointhe path of the state's development," she added.
The chief minister's public message came just two days ahead of the Patel community's mega rally seeking Other Backward Class (OBC) status.
"A negative agitation is not good for any society, community and the government. In past, agitations have snatched livelihoods of the poor and common people. Violence and tension have an adverse impact on the economy," she said.
The chief minister, meanwhile, asked agitators to hold talks with the government instead of organising rallies which,she said, may harm the economy of the state.
"The controversy triggered by the ongoing reservation movement has made its impact felt on the social life, which has created a situation of unease in society," she said.
"We can find a solution through talks and negotiations on the issue of reservation. The state government has formed a committee of seven ministers to address the issue and we have also invited representatives of all the castes and communities, including Patel community. Talks are ongoing and I believe that a solution will come out of it," she said.