Lalji, president of quota body Sardar Patel Group (SPG), today called upon senior state ministers Nitin Patel and Vijay Rupani at Gandhinagar and requested them to ensure release of Hardik and others who are still behind bars.
"Our main issue of discussion with ministers was about the release of those Patel leaders who are still behind bars. Just like the government showed a positive approach and did not oppose my bail plea two days back, we requested government to show similar lenient approach for those who are still behind bars," he said.
"Lalji thanked us for not opposing his bail plea. He also expressed gratitude for 'Yuva Swavlamban Scheme' and 10 per cent EBC reservation announced by government as thousands of general category youths are now getting benefit under these schemes," Nitin said.
Lalji had been arrested in the wake of the violence in his April 17 rally in Mehsana. Two days ago, a court in Mehsana granted him bail in a case of rioting and arson registered against him during a "jail bharo" rally organised by SPG to pressurise government to release Hardik and other leaders.
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He said other demands put forward during the meeting with ministers included raising the quota for economically backward classes (EBC) among upper castes in the state to 20 per cent from current 10 per cent.
"During the meeting, we also requested the government to take the EBC quota up to 20 per cent. We requested government to withdraw cases filed against Patel leaders during the 'Jail Bharo' rally as well as during the quota stir in August last year," he said.