Hardik Patel’s fast entered 13th day today, even as both sides wait for the other to initiate talks
On the 13th day of his indefinite fast, Patidar quota leader Hardik Patel once again gave up water as Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti's (PAAS) 24-hour ultimatum to the state government to initiate talks with him ended this evening.
Hardik, who has lost about 10 kilo since he started fasting, and has become visibly weaker, was being moved around in a wheel-chair. He was examined by doctors from Sola Civil Hospital, who once again advised him to get hospitalised immediately. He gave up water at 7:00 pm today, as the deadline set by his outfit ended.
"We had issued a 24-hour ultimatum yesterday for the government to begin talks with us, but the government is not ready to do so. In view of this, Hardik Patel will give up water. He will not drink any water till the government begins talks with him," Hardik's close aide and PAAS leader Manoj Panara told reporters.
Panara lashed out at the government saying it had no concern for 4 crore farmers or 1.5 crore Patidars, while reiterating the three demands of farm loan waiver, reservation for Patidars, and release of Hardik's aide Alpesh Kathiria.The PAAS leader wondered if the government was silent on the fast and waiting for trouble to erupt, so that it can shift the blame for the same on Hardik and jail him. He also expressed fear for Hardik's life.
Breakthrough on the cards?
Statements by the two sides late in the evening suggest that a breakthrough to the 13-day impasse may be on the cards.
After Hardik gave up water, revenue minister Kaushik Patel stated that the state government was concerned about Hardik's health, and had held talks with some Patidar organisations, but neither the PAAS leader nor PAAS had shown any willingness to talk.
"If Hardik Patel or PAAS offer to hold talks, we will discuss it with Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and take an appropriate decision," Patel said.
In response, Panara said that they welcomed the minister's statement, and asked the state government to send a delegation to Hardik's residence, where he is fasting.
Earlier in the day, former union minister Dinsha Patel met Hardik, and extended support to him.
ANOTHER SUPPORT
“Hardik’s demands are genuine, and the government should accept them. His condition is not good, and I hope the government will begin talks to end the deadlock,” said former union minister Dinsha Patel.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
 "Hardik Patel")
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}