Patel quota stir spearhead Hardik Patel today launched an indefinite hunger strike at the Lajpore Hail in Surat, where he is lodged since September in two sedition cases, demanding reservation to his community in Government jobs and education under OBC category.
The surprise move by Hardik came at a time when his close aides have expressed willingness to hold talks with the BJP Government in Gujarat over the quota issue.
Three of Hardik's close aides - Ketan Patel, Chirag Patel and Dinesh Bambhaniya - who are also behind bars in sedition case, wrote a letter to Chief Minister Anandiben Patel yesterday and expressed willingness to hold talks.
Since the letter did not have the signature of Hardik, speculation is rife the 22-year-old may have felt betrayed by his own men and decided to undertake indefinite fast.
Confirming the development, Jailor of Lajpore Prison S L Dusa told the media that Hardik, Convener of Patidar Anamant Andolan Samiti (PAAS), which is spearheading the stir, has stopped taking food since this morning.
"A few days back, Hardik wrote a letter to the Jail Superintendent saying he will launch an indefinite hunger strike from February 20 if his demands are not met. However, he sat on hunger strike from today itself," said Dusa.
In the letter, Hardik had threatened to shun food if the demand of reservation for Patel community under OBC quota is not accepted by the Government, said Dusa.
"Hardik also said Patel youths (who took part in the stir) have been wrongfully arrested by the Government," Dusa said, adding the young quota leader is under constant watch of medical officers inside the jail.
"We have informed the superior officers about his hunger strike. We tried to convince Hardik to end the strike but to no avail. We are taking all necessary precautions. Doctors are checking his health every hour.
Hardik said, "I am son of (mahatma) Gandhi and at the
same time I am also son of Bhagat Singh. So I am not afraid of any violence and imprisonment.
"Under the name of Vibrant Gujarat, companies are taking away lands of farmers and today the son of the same farmer is forced to work in such plants...That is why we are seeking reservations," he said, adding their fight for reservation will continue unabated.
He said they are raising the voice for those who are deprived and belong to lower sections of society and are also fighting for the cause of farmers.
Addressing his maiden rally on his return to Gujarat from the six-month 'banishment' yesterday, Hardik had appealed to Patidar community to get united to fight against the "tanashahi" (autocracy) prevailing in Gujarat.
"Let us come together again. I want you to reach out to every citizen living in each part of the state. Let us awake them about our cause. Let us join hands to do a GMDC-like dangal again. I am ready to address a rally at GMDC if government gives us permission," he had said.
