Hardik Patel is going to start meeting Patel lawmakers in Gujarat to know about their stand on the Patel reservation.
Hardik Patel, leader of the Patel quota agitation in Gujarat, today said he will start meeting legislators of his community soon to know where they stand on the reservation issue, which sparked violence across the state claiming ten lives last week.
"We will start meeting Patel MLAs from tomorrow and ask them to clarify their stand on whether they are with Patels on the issue of inclusion of community in OBC category or with their respective parties," Mr Patel told reporters.
There are more than 35 Patel MLAs in the 182-member Gujarat Assembly, which include chief minister Anandiben Patel and seven of her cabinet colleagues.
"I myself along with hundreds of my supporters will meet those MLAs and will give them a rose," said Mr Patel, adding that the entire meetings with them will be videographed.
The convener of the Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti, was in Ahmedabad to attend a condolence meeting of 32-year-old Swetang Patel, who allegedly died in police custody in Bapunagar area of the city during the protests on August 26. The Gujarat High Court had ordered a Criminal Investigation Department probe in the case after a plea was filed by his mother, Prabhaben Patel.
The 22-year-old leader has been leading protests demanding reservation in government jobs and colleges for the powerful Patels or Patidars, one of the Gujarat's most affluent and influential castes.