On a day when the Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti and Sardar Patel Group, spearheading the demand for reservation in Gujarat, had their core committee meetings, a video tape allegedly showing PAAS leader Hardik Patel along with a woman has gone viral on Internet.
The video, apparently shot in a hotel room, is dated May 16, 2017, around 9.20 pm. THE WEEK could not independently verify the authenticity of the video.
The PAAS meeting is being held in Gandhinagar to discuss the formula worked out by the Congress with regards to the Samiti's demands for reservation. The SPG, which Patel was associated with earlier, is also meeting in connection with the upcoming elections. A few days ago, PAAS' core committee had a meeting with Congress leaders including Kapil Sibal.
The latest video, which surfaced barely a month ahead of the assembly elections, can adversely affect Patel's campaign against the ruling BJP. Gujarat goes to polls in two phases on December 9 and 14.
Reacting to the developments, Patel said that he would take appropriate action. He alleged that the BJP was behind the video and that it was made in Bangkok. Patel said people who could bring out CD of BJP leader Sanjay Joshi could do anything.
In 2005, a video allegedly showing Joshi in a compromising position with a girl, had been circulated in Gujarat. Following the leak, Joshi had to resign from all BJP posts, but later it was found that the CD was doctored.
Patel said that at a time electioneering was picking up, allegations and counter allegations would be made. “Many more things will come out,” he said, adding that he would have to take it in a stride. He claimed that if he did anything, he would do it openly and would not hide anything.
A few days ago, Patel had expressed apprehension that the BJP might use his fake sex CD to defame him ahead of elections.
One of the spokespersons of the SPG said that the CD should be tested in a forensic laboratory.
