Patidar Protest: Hardik Patel faces media in Delhi; walks off abruptly

By Manas Dwivedi

Hardik Patel, the 22 year old B.Com graduate, who recently rose to limelight across the nation for his massive caste protest in Gujarat, landed in Delhi today.

Addressing the media at Press Club of India, Patel voiced for expanding the reservation movement across the nation. Revolving around a single point of demanding reservation throughout, Patel found it difficult to answer the media and left abruptly.

Patel clarified the objective of the movement and hinted at the possibility of a nationwide protest if his demands aren't met. Regarding the involvement of Gurjars and Jats in the protest, he said that the Patidars would seek support from these communities to mount pressure on the government. He announced a mega rally in Lucknow and a similar protest at Jantar Mantar also.

Denying the fact that Patidar is a rich community, Patel said, "Only 10 % of us are prosperous, else others are starving for opportunities." Insisting on caste based reservation he said, "The 27 crore Patidars in the country are exempted from their right and they should be given what they deserve." He said he supports the idea of reservation based on economic status, but his community should get it first.

He declined any plans of coming into politics and said he just wanted to fight for the rights of his community. He said the corrupt system of the country has compelled him to protest.

On the question of Supreme Court's directive of maximum 50 % reservation, Patel said that the constitution of the country should be amended for the provision of reservation.

He mourned the death of 11 people who died in the Ahmedabad violence and said that he will go to Prime Minister in the future if needed. During the whole course of interaction with the Press, Patel didn't talk about any statistics or a logical reason behind giving reservation to Patidars.