Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel today said she had not received any letter from the jailed Patel quota agitation leader Hardik Patel reportedly questioning whether she belonged to the Patel community.
"I can't say anything about the letter because I have not received the so-called letter," Anandiben told mediapersons in Bedla town of the district where she had come for state government's "Gunotsav" programme.
The CM said her government was holding meetings with Patidar (Patel) leaders and had withdrawn several cases registered against the youths from the community (filed during the violent agitation for reservations in OBC quota).
"Nearly 250 cases have been dropped by the government and the number would increase," she said.
In the letter addressed to the CM, sent from Surat jail, Hardik reportedly accused BJP of using Patels as a votebank.
"During your speech at a function... Few days back you said Patels are selfish and thieves. Now I am having a doubt as to whether you really belong to the Patel community," he asked the Chief Minister.
"This is the same Patel community which supported BJP for last 30 years in building its base in Gujarat. We gave you votes and money. BJP came to power with our support," Hardik said in the letter.
The government has withdrawn non-serious criminal cases against Patel youths, but the sedition cases filed against Hardik and his top aides have not been withdrawn.
