Patidar reservation stir leader Hardik Patel announced his support for the Congress on Wednesday, saying the party has accepted his demand and promised to provide quota benefits to the community, if voted to power in next month's Assembly elections in Gujarat.
The move boosts the Congress' campaign as Patidars, or Patels, account for about 14% of the population and are influential in about 65 of the state's 182 Assembly seats. About 25% of Gujarat's MLAs are Patidars.
In Delhi, Congress leader Kapil Sibal was quick to thank Hardik and said the united fight would dethrone the BJP in Gujarat. Hardik, however, claimed that his outfit PAAS has not sought tickets from the Congress. He lashed out at the ruling BJP in Gujarat for "buying out" PAAS conveners.
"The Congress party has accepted the demand to give reservation benefits to Patidars and other non-reserved communities. This will be done without touching the existing 49% reservation given to SC/ST/ OBC," Hardik said at a press conference, ahead of the two-phase polling on December 9 and 14.
He said if the Congress came to power, it would conduct a proper survey to provide reservation (in government jobs and college admissions), and also bring a Bill for the same.
The party will also include the demand in its manifesto, he said.
Hardik has a strong following in the Patel community, especially among youths. He said that he was opposing the BJP as it meted out injustice to the community.
Hardik said that various Patidar leaders and organisations have been informed about the decision to accept the Congress' formula. The 23-year-old said it was not written anywhere in the Constitution that reservation cannot exceed the 50% limit. There is no such law, and the Supreme Court has only made suggestions, he said.
"Since 1994, reservation has exceeded 50% in as many as 15 states, including Gujarat. It was given for 5 or 7 years, or 10 years. In Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, it has been continuing for last 15–17 years," he claimed.
Sibal also accused the BJP of betraying the community's trust during its 22-year rule in Gujarat. "We thank Hardik that PAAS has joined us. Our target is to win the elections and fulfill promises made to the people," he said. Gujarat results will be announced on December 18.
It's a battle of prestige for the BJP in Gujarat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's home state. For the Congress, which has faced defeat in poll after poll in the state since 1995, a strong performance could set the tone for crucial state polls next year and, ultimately, for the 2019 general elections.
PATEL FACTOR
- Community accounts for 14 per cent of population, is influential in 65 of Gujarat’s 182 Assembly seats
- 25% of state’s MLAs are Patels. Hardik has a strong following in the community, especially among youths
- Jaitley said it’s self-deception and deceiving public by promising quota beyond 50% limit for SC, ST and OBC
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