Hardik Firm On Reverse Dandi March Tomorrow
14 September, Gandhinagar
Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) leader Hardik Patel sprang a surprise today by declaring that he would go ahead with the reverse Dandi march seeking reservation benefits for the Patel community tomorrow, “Whatever be the outcome of today’s talks with Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel.”
The PAAS leader had announced late on Saturday night the decision to put off the march, which was to be taken out from Dandi in Navsari district to Sabarmati ashram in Ahmedabad, after intervention by State Energy Minister Saurabh Patel.
The Minister persuaded the agitation leaders to come on the negotiation table with the chief minister.
While announcing the postponement of the march, Mr Patel had made it clear that he would take out the march on September 15 if his talks with Chief Minister failed. He and some of his comrades of the pro-Patel quota agitation are scheduled to meet the chief minister at 1630 hours to discuss their demands.
However, Mr Patel changed his stance after his meeting with former Chief Minister and Senior BJP leader Keshubhai Patel this morning. The latter is stated to gave his blessings and told him to keep the agitation non-violent.
The PAAS leaders want the government to first take action against policemen who are alleged to have resorted to excessive force on the agitators and their family members.
“Our first demand is immediate suspension of all the policemen, including constables, inspectors and superintendent of police, for wanton violence on innocent citizens without any provocation resulting in the death of nine persons. Secondly, the government should give adequate compensation to the families of those killed,” he said.
“We also want an independent inquiry to find out who ordered police lathi-charge on peaceful rally on August 25,” he said.
Mr Patel said the movement for reservation in jobs and education for members of the community will continue till the quota was on par with that of the OBCs.
Meanwhile, supporters of the pro-quota agitation began withdrawing money from their bank account to mount pressure on the government.
According to PAAS spokesman, the beginning was made from a bank of Vadrad town in Sabarkantha district with the withdrawal of Rs. 10 crore by account holders belonging to the Patel community