Hardik Patel confident that Patidar reservation will pass SC's scrutiny

Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti chief Hardik Patel has said that people of Gujarat are now wise enough to see through BJP’s stand that people should vote for them as the polls are about keeping intact Gujarati pride as the PM is from the state. He claimed to have the support of almost the entire Patidar community, including Keshubhai Patel.

Talking to ET, Hardik emphasised that the understanding between him and Congress on giving quota to Patidars above the 50% limit was feasible.


He said SC looks afresh at each case before it and in case the matter of Patidar quota comes up before it for a judicial review, it can do a rethink on the issue.

“I want to understand why it is not possible. Neither is it written in the Constitution nor is there any law. It’s only an SC judgement and in each case of this kind before it the court can take a fresh look at the issue. If the intention is good, then everything good can happen.”

Asked about finance minister Arun Jaitley’s remark that any provision put under Article 31(c) can come up for judicial review, he said: “Even a good law can be taken to court”. Hardik attacked Gujarat deputy CM Nitin Patel for dismissing the deal between PAAS and Congress as “an offer made by fools and accepted by fools to fool Patidars”. “He has called Patidars fools. Now, these ‘fools’ will show their foolishness in 2017 elections.”

The PAAS head conceded his main aim was to defeat BJP. “Reservation is the main issue but only a government can give that. Since they (BJP) are not giving quota, it is important to defeat them and to install a government that gives us reservation,” he said.

Asked about BJP fighting Gujarat polls in the name of PM Modi, he said: “People understand everything. There is no such issue. This is raked up often. But now everybody is wise enough.” Hardik denied there is a conflict between Kshatriya, Thakor and Patidar voters, insisting they are all together and Patels will “definitely” vote for Thakor candidates.

Asked how he expects Patidars to desert BJP when even Keshubhai had limited success in weaning them away, he said: “Time will tell. Hardik will ensure complete success.” Hardik claimed his movement has “full support” of Keshubhai. He said on December 18 when results are announced, it will become clear whether he or BJP Patel leaders, like Anandiben and Nitin, have the backing of Patidars.

He dismissed the charge that he was too raw to understand politics and governance, saying: “Is that the reason when a 22-year old holds a press conference the deputy CM holds a counter press conference. So, I am not that small.” He maintained 22 years of BJP rule is all about Dadagiri (strong-arm politics) and development has been confined to Ahmedabad.