Opposition Congress in Gujarat had a time to rejoice on Monday as its meeting with Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS), the organisation spearheading the reservation stir, ended on a positive note. On its part, the Congress accepted four of the five major demands of the PAAS and a detailed discussion on reservation would be held shortly.
Following this meeting held at the state Congress headquarters—Rajiv Gandhi Bhavan in Ahmedabad—it is now clear that the PAAS will not disrupt Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi's meeting scheduled to be held in Surat, South Gujarat, on November 3.
A few days before, PAAS convener Hardik Patel had given an ultimatum to the Congress to clear its stand on how it would give them reservation or face the consequences. He would have to face what national BJP president Amit Shah was subjected to, a few months ago. PAAS workers had created a ruckus at a meeting in which Shah, Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani, and Patidar MLAs were present. Shah had to cut short his speech.
The ruling BJP was quick to response and deputy chief minister Nitin Patel said that the meeting between Congress leaders and representatives of PAAS was held as part of “conspiracy”. It was apparent that the BJP was nervous.
He appealed to the Patidar community to not to get misguided. He asked PAAS and Congress to clarify the assurance that was given on OBC reservation. “Other than OBC reservation, each demand of the Patidars has been met,” Patel claimed.
Congress leader Siddharth Patel said that should the Congress come to power, the party agreed that it would give Rs 35 lakh to the kin of those killed in 2015. Based on their qualifications, one person from the family of those killed will also be given a job, the Congress agreed. It also said that it would set up a Rs 2,000 crore commission for the upper caste to facilitate education of economically poor.
The opposition Congress also agreed to set up SIT to inquire into the alleged atrocities on the Patidars and take action against the guilty policemen. It also agreed that all cases against the Patidars, including sedition cases, would be withdrawn.
Hardik, who held a press conference in Rajkot, post meeting the Congress, said that on the reservation issue they have asked the Congress to make them talk to the lawyers to discuss how they can get reservation, as per the constitution.
Specifying that he was not a Congress agent, Hardik alleged that the BJP had not accepted their demands. He said that the Patidars had helped the BJP by all means for the last 25 years.
Hardik said that there was a need to trust the Congress.
He also made it clear once again that come what may, they will not support the BJP. “Let them slap sedition charges and put in jail,” he said.