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Eye on polls: Guj govt to meet Patidars

In his letter, Hardik had demanded that the state government form a commission for upper castes, similar to that for the OBCs, SCs and STs

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BJP-led Gujarat government is all set to meet Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) leader Hardik Patel for truce talks on September 26. Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel told media persons on Thursday that the government will soon be extending an invitation to Hardik and his colleagues and other leaders of the Patel community for the meeting.

The gesture holds significance as Assembly elections in the state could be announced in a month and the government will want to reach out and pacify the Patel community which has been at loggerheads with the BJP government on the issue of reservation.

“Hardik Patel wrote a letter to the CM on July 28, requesting him to hold a meeting in the presence of the heads of religious and social institutions of the Patel community. The CM has agreed to have this meeting on September 26. BJP’s Gujarat chief Jitu Vaghani and I will also attend the meeting, which will discuss the community’s demands.”

In his letter, Hardik had demanded that the state government form a commission for upper castes, similar to that for the OBCs, SCs and STs.  

Apart from seeking a withdrawal of all the cases against PAAS activists, he had also demanded that the dependents of those who lost their lives during the Patel quota agitation should be given government jobs and action be taken against policemen who fired and lathicharged Patel youths.

Sources said the government is expected to seek an assurance from Hardik to end the agitation.

“We agree to constitute a commission for upper castes and will also seriously consider their other demands,” said the deputy CM.

However, Hardik said he had not received any invitation.

“We are going to send invitations to Hardik, PAAS and SPG leaders and heads of religious institutions run by Patel community, such as Umiya mata Dham at Unjha, Ahmedabad and Sidsar Umiya Dham, Khodaldham-Kagwad, Sardar Dham, and other leaders of the community,” the deputy CM said.

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