Hardik Patel begins indefinite fast for Patidar Quota

Patidar leader Hardik Patel began an indefinite fast at his sprawling farmhouse here today to press for reservation for his community, after the BJP government in Gujarat refused him permission to stage the protest at a public place. State AAP leaders visited Patel as his fast began and delivered a letter of support from party national convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Dalit leader and Independent MLA Jignesh Mevani also visited him and expressed support.

Patel, leader of the Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) that is heading the agitation for quota for Patidars (Patels) in jobs and education, started his fast at 3 pm in the presence of supporters and several Congress legislators after performing a pooja. The farmhouse turned into a fortress with the deployment of police personnel in large numbers and anyone entering the premises was frisked. While Patel alleged that the BJP government denied him permission to stage the fast to thwart his protest, police said it was denied in view of the riot-like situation during the PAAS’ 2015 agitation.