Gandhinagar: The Government of Gujarat today fielded Energy minister Saurabh Patel to speak to media on Congress aide Hardik Patel’s fast demanding reservation for his community in jobs and education, total farm loan waiver and release of jailed agitation leader Alpesh Kathiriya.

Saurabh Patel in his briefing said, ‘unfortunately he(Hardik) doesn’t cooperate with doctors and refuses to follow their advise. Government has set up 24 hours ICU on wheels and a team of doctors(at fast venue). We will extend whatever help needed and we expect his cooperation.’

‘Three years ago when agitation started, we had clearly said that this was a Congress inspired agitation. Congress people are running it. Even today we have clear opinion that Congress friends are advising(directing the agitation) through backdoor and even majority of those who go to meet (Hardik at his fast venue) are Congress people, anti-BJP people, anti-Gujarat(Medha Patkar for an example) people and anti-Narendrabhai Modi people. Even today whatever memorandums were submitted at taluka and district level were submitted by Congress people. This is political agitation inspired by Congress.’

‘We want to ask a clear question to Congress, that Supreme Court has given clear verdict that reservation quota can’t go beyond 50%. A few days ago, the Governor was presented 8-page memorandum by Congress. Even word ‘reservation’ was not mentioned in it, not even for once. On one hand they go and extend support to Hardik but on the other hand they don’t mention a word ‘reservation’.’

Replying questions by media persons, Saurabh Patel said, ‘as on today, the government has clear opinion that if it’s about reservation, we have constituted a board, corporation and made provision of crores of Rupees of budget. Even under Mukhyamantri Swavlamban Yojana, a big budget has been allocated. If it’s about farmers, the State government is ready to extend all help to farmers. Some of examples include schemes such as SAUNI, Sujalam Sufalam, conservation of water, digging of ponds, drip irrigation grants worth crores, zero interest farm loan, support price procurement, Rs 3,700 crore direct payment to farmers for groundnut, tuver and chana purchase through MSP. Even in future the government will work to ensure lesser input cost and higher output cost. The State government spends crores of Rupees for farmers. Rs 4,500 for electricity bills, More than Rs 5,000 crore for Narmada.’

‘Patidar community is well aware that actually who are behind this agitation. We admire peace maintained by Patidar community. In upcoming days, Congress will attempt to trigger violence and disturbance in Gujarat. They have done this in past too. We request Patidar community to stay alert in this regard.’

‘The State government is ready to listen to anybody from 6 crore people. We give hearing to all, and we will definitely do whatever possible according to constitution, policy and rules,’ Saurabh said in reply to a question regarding quota adding that, ‘during quota agitation, the State government had discussed the issue of reservation quota with all Patidar community organizations. Our doors are open even today. We are ready to share all details with them regarding Supreme court orders, constitutional provisions and more.’

‘We clearly believe that this is political agitation and political agitation needs to end politically.’

‘We opine that he(Hardik) should follow the advise of doctors,’ Saurabh Patel said.

Kadva Patel organization leaders speak to government

Leaders of six organisations belonging to Kadva Patidar community today held a closed door meeting in Sola Umiya campus in Ahmedabad and later went to Gandhinagar to hold talks with government. They called on minister Saurabh Patel in his chamber in presence of minister Kaushik Patel and minister of state for home Pradipsinh Jadeja. Both Saurabh and Kaushik are Kadva Patel so as Hardik who is sitting on fast agitation.

Later CK Patel, representative of Umiya organization told media persons that government’s stand was positive and government was concerned about Hardik Patel’s now 11-day long fast. We appeal Hardikbhai to conclude fast. CK Patel said that representation was made before the government to modify income limit for beneficiary schemes for unreserved class. More meetings will be held in future.

CK Patel further said that it was Hardik Patel’s representative Dudhwala who spoke with Hardik and with Patidar organizations, and therefore on invitation of the State government, the organizations held meeting with government.

Speaking about the meeting, minister Saurabh Patel said he has appealed six organizations of Patidar community to see that Hardik ends his fast.

Shatrughna Sinha, Yashwant Sinha and Suresh Mehta meet Hardik

Actor and sulking BJP Lok Sabha MP Shatrughna Sinha, expelled BJP leader and former cabinet minister Yashwant Sinha and former Chief Minister Suresh Mehta who has turned left from right today called on Hardik Patel and extended support to his fast agitation.

DeshGujarat