Issues raised by Hardik Patel implodes Gujarat model of development: Congress

NEW DELHI: The Congress today said the issues raised by Hardik Patel was an "implosion" of the "Gujarat model" of development pursued by Narendra Modi which was not inclusive in nature.

"His (Hardik's) questioning of Gujarat model of development has imploded because it is not inclusive," senior party spokesperson Anand Sharma said in response to a volley of question on the agitation launched by the Patidar Samaj leader.

During his visit to the national capital, Hardik had said that the agitation for quotas for Patels in government jobs and educational institutions will be expanded to other states and include castes like Kurmis and Gujjars.

The 22-year-old Patidar leader's agitation had plunged to state into violence in which over ten persons, including a policeman were killed.

Patel had noted that while there was too much talk of the Gujarat model, no such thing existed in the state where, he claimed, 8900 farmers, all Patels, had committed suicide.

"Reservations have been given to 182 castes of which only 4-5 castes are in Gujarat. In 1984, there was opposition from the Patel community (before the Mandal Commission) to reservations.

"Today the system has become weak and youth are not getting employment. Farmers are committing suicide and those who have an MBA degree have become salesmen," he had said.