Fight, don't fast: Uddhav Thackeray tells Hardik Patel

Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray on Wednesday rang up Patidar community leader Hardik Patel requesting him to stop his indefinite hunger strike for reservations for the community.

Addressing a press conference after speaking to Hardik, Uddhav said, “ I told Hardik that we support his demand for reservation for the Patidar community, just like our support to the Maratha community here. We have told him that you are doing the hunger strike but the government needs to be sensitive for someone to go on a hunger strike.”

The Sena president said the BJP government in the state was not sensitive enough to Hardik as it had not initiated talks with the Patidar community leader in spite of 12 days of fasting by Hardik. “We keep hearing that we should talk to terrorists, to talk to Pakistan, why cant we have talks with these youths in our own country,” questioned Uddhav.


The Sena president said that he has told Hardik to stop fasting. “I have told him that the people of the state need you, and you are a fighter so stop fasting. We also told him that we are with you in your fight and we will give whatever help you need.”

Meanwhile Uddhav slammed the BJP for the statement of its MLA Ram Kadam who had said that he would ‘abduct’ girls and hand them over to boys if they rejected their proposal for marriage.

“We need action against those who insults our mothers and sisters. The BJP I think has started a Beti Bhagao campaign instead of Beti Bachao. I believe a strong action should be taken against Kadam. He should not be given a party ticket by any party.”said Uddhav.

Accussing the BJP of getting undesirable elements in to the political sphere, Uddhav said,“Nitin Gadkari once said that they had the ability to make a Valmiki out of a Parshuram. You are probably writing a new kind of Ramayana. I would tell them that don’t compare these people with Valmiki.”said the Sena president.

The Sena president also slammed the BJP government for the demonetization exercise saying that the recent RBI report showing that most of the money had come back in to the system had vindicated the Sena’ stand.

“So many people died standing in queues, so many had to suffer. Will they at least admit that they committed a mistake. I read a report that the Niti Ayog has said that if need be they would do a demonetisation drive again. I want to tell them that there would be anarchy and people will not sit silent this time if its done.”said Uddhav.

The Sena president also joined issue with the BJP over how the Pune police addressed a press conference on the ‘Urban naxal’ issue. “ If they have proof let them give it to the court and file a chargesheet.”said Uddhav.

Speaking on the issue of the recent arrests on alleged Sanathan Sanstha activists, Uddhav said, “ We will not support criminals but no one should be arrested on the basis of suspicion.” He also questioned why in spite of having a Hindutva government were Hindu outfits indulging in terrorism.