Hardik Patel to make way for Alpesh Kathiriya as face of Patidar stir

In an unexpected development, Patidar leader Hardik Patel said on Sunday that Alpesh Kathiriya would be the "new face" of the agitation. Hardik made the comment in Surat on the day that Alpesh was released on bail after spending more than three months in jail.

Speaking to reporters in Surat, Hardik said, "First I was there (as the leader of the Patidar reservation stir), now it will be Alpesh. We will move ahead with the quota agitation as he decides. If someone's image has taken a beating, he should be replaced by someone else," Hardik said, an indirect reference to the controversies that he has been embroiled in of late.

Hardik admitted that a section of Patidars were not happy with him, saying, "The leadership that is acceptable to people will lead the agitation. The main issue is reservation for Patidars, and we will continue to fight for it. The fight will become stronger now with Alpesh (at the helm)."

Ever since he shot into the limelight with the demand for reservation in higher education and government jobs for Patidars in 2015, Hardik has been accused of enriching himself. Alleged sex tapes featuring him with different women also hurt his image. Many community members also accused Hardik of using the reservation stir to fuel his own personal political ambitions. "Hardik had become bigger than the agitation. This was one of the reasons why several PAAS members are no longer associated with him," said a Patidar leader.

In contrast, Alpesh Kathiriya believes in keeping everyone together, and has a non-controversial image, said an associate. "PAAS will decide the roles. I will be happy to bear any responsibility," Alpesh said, reacting to Hardik's announcement.

The announcement was also welcomed by other Patidar leaders. "Hardik had lost people's faith. The captain of the reservation team has been changed, and this will give a boost to the fight. We will also actively join PAAS in the agitation," said Lalji Patel of the Sardar Patel group.

Dinesh Bambhania, who used to be very close to Hardik, said, "Alpesh should assume leadership of the Patidar agitation. People were waiting for his release. A meeting of PAAS conveners will be held soon to decide future course of the agitation."