Patel MLAs scared to go home for rakhi

AHMEDABAD: Many BJP MLAs and ministers belonging to the Patel community are scared of returning to their constituencies for the weekend, despite instructions by chief minister Anandiben Patel to talk to their voters to shun violence.

After the monsoon session of the Gujarat assembly ended on Friday, MLAs confided that they were calling over their sisters to Gandhinagar for Rakhi festivities on Saturday. Most legislators have built houses in the state capital in addition to the official accommodation allotted to them. This weekend, many of them plan to shun their private residences and stay in their quarters that are in the high-security zone.

"For the first time, we have felt so fearful despite it being our government. If ministers are not safe how can we feel safe," said an MLA from Saurashtra. "I might visit on Monday as a mob may attack us during the festivities," said an MLA from north Gujarat.

Patidar mobs had attacked houses and residences of at least 16 Patel leaders including homes of senior ministers Nitin Patel, Rajnikant Patel, MLAs and MPs, on Tuesday and Wednesday, after police rained lathis on supporters of Hardik Patel, convener of Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti, an organization demanding reservation for Patels in the OBC quota.