‘People need food & jobs, not Nano & cellphones’

"The state government says it is vibrant Gujarat and that people will get mobile phones and Nano cars but there is no food, houses or jobs for poor," said noted human rights activist and lawyer Girish Patel while addressing people at a ceremony organised to felicitate him.

Talking about human rights, he said there was gross violation of human rights in the 21st century, contrary to the dream that progress would reach to the poorest of poor.

Patel pointed out that it is 'people's politics' which needs to be brought to the centre. He said, "People politics should be brought to the centre and not market forces and people politics should ensure good education, health and other facilities for people." He also said that the current Lok Sabha elections were being fought on non-issues. He added that the Narmada Bachao Andolan and Medha Patkar had played a significant role in his life.

On his felicitation ceremony, Patel said in a lighter vein, "This is like a message to me that time has come for me to retire."

However, he said that he would continue his fight till the end of his life. He said, "This felicitation is for the people who fight for their survival."