No government nod; Hardik Patel's reverse Dandi Yatra on September 13 now

GANDHINAGAR: With the state government’s resolve to gag Patidar movement getting bolder, the Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) convenor Hardik Patel has postponed his proposed reverse Dandi Yatra that was to start from Dandi to Ahmedabad on Sunday.

Hardik announced this decision late on Saturday in Surat at a roadside press conference after being denied a venue in the diamond city to address the media.

Earlier, Navsari collector had denied him permission to hold the march citing the law and order situation. Hardik,however, maintained that he would start the yatra on September 13 even if denied nod. Hardik had taken a similar stand for Sunday’s yatra as well.

The 22-year-old has been under pressure ever since his return from Delhi where he had less than warm welcome.

Opposition has also come Hardik’s way from the village sarpanches in Dandi, who had made representation to the DC against allowing Hardik to hold the yatra.

ET View: Let him vent for a bit

Hardik Patel has been great fun. His protracted demand for OBC status for Patidars has provided much matinee excitement. If the man asks for the moon, there will be enough people who’ll take time out to support him in his lunacy. But theatrics has a shelf life. The Gujarat government should deal with him and his weekend cohorts in a calm manner. Gujaratis, Patels included, may like the occasional digressions, but not drawn-out disruptions. Allow him to let out steam within the realms of the law. After a point, everyone with a life will go back home.