Hardik softens, offers to quit from Patidar group

AHMEDABAD: Undeterred by the police complaint filed against him for creating ruckus at a party plot in Sola, Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) convener Hardik Patel held a late night meeting of his core members on Friday and decided to form a coordination committee for future course of action.

The panel which will have 90 members will chalk out action plan and form other groups that will be given different roles. Soon after the meeting, Patel said, "If one-third of the 30 conveners from all over the state show their discontent over my leadership, I will not only quit as the convener of the PAAS, but will also exit from the PAAS."

Meanwhile, the protest against Hardik continued as once again his effigy was burnt on Friday by the Patidar in Ghatlodia. The agitators said they were upset with the brash, sweeping statements made by Hardik Patel.

The PAAS, however, blamed the state government for the backlash and effigy burning. The PAAS leader claimed that the BJP workers were carrying out the protests.

SPG, another Patel group, also held meetings to mobilize support for the September 6 programme. The SPG has asked the people to organize prayer meetings for those who died in the violence that broke out after August 25 Ahmedabad rally.