In a clear rift between the two groups spearheading the Patel agitation, one group had decided to hold separate programme even though Hardik Patel's group is yet to finalise dates for the same.
In the first signs of the Patel agitation losing steam in Gujarat, Hardik Patel's Patidaar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) has decided not to go ahead with their proposed Dandi march till they obtain permission from the police.
Hardik's stint as the undisputed leader of the protests has also run into rough weather, with one of the two main groups spearheading the campaign, Sardar Patel Group, led by Lalji Patel, decided to hold a separate agitation programme on Sunday, for demanding reservation for their community in jobs and colleges.
Earlier, there was drama at a meeting of about 100 senior office bearers called by the PAAS in Ahmedabad's Radhe farm in the afternoon. The supporters got agitated when the 22-year-old leader did not turn up, instead his associate Chirag Patel came to the venue. While arguments were still on, the owner of the party plot withdrew his consent for providing the venue for the meeting. Chirag alleged that it was done at the behest of police.
After being denied the venue, Hardik and four others allegedly tried to hold a meeting inside the premises of Umiya Mata Educational Trust, at Sola Road. The police have booked them for rioting and forcible entry, after the Trust lodged a First Information Report this evening.
Meanwhile, Lalji had addressed his supporters on the outskirts of Ahmedabad and resolved to continue the stir, though he maintained that his group's agitation path was different.
"On Sunday we will hold a condolence meeting for those killed in violence. We are completely against violence and this movement is not about few individuals,'' said Lalji Patel, hinting at differences with Hardik over the march.
The Patels make up about 12 per cent of Gujarat's population, and have traditionally been farmers and traders. But they now find their youth without technical degrees and qualifications for jobs outside family-owned enterprises.