Gujarat govt willing to talk to Patels seeking OBC quota: Health Minister Nitin Patel

RAJKOT: Accusing the opposition Congress of instigating the Patel community's demand for reservations under OBC quota, Gujarat Health Minister Nitin Patel said here today that the state government is ready to talk to the community and solve the issue.

"The Gujarat state government has already invited leaders of the Patel community to discuss the issue of reservation and is trying to solve the issue. Our doors are always open for negotiations," Patel, who is also the Gujarat state government spokesperson told reporters.

"Congress is instigating the Patel community to demand reservation in education and government jobs. At the same time, it also threatens other communities, which already get reservation benefits by saying that their rights would be curtailed if Patels are given reservation benefits," he said.

The Patel community has been demanding reservation under the Other Backward Caste (OBC) quota since last month and a massive rally was organised in Rajkot on Wednesday.

Various cities in the Saurashtra region also witnessed similar protests.

The Patel community has also decided to organise a convention ("mahasammelan") Dhoraji on August 16.