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Why invite politician to religious event, asks Hardik Patel

The 25-year-old, who announced recently that he would be contesting in the LS polls, says that by inviting Modi, the religious programme would be converted into an election rally

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Patidar quota leader Hardik Patel has written to Vishv Umiya Foundation, an influential Patidar organisation, questioning the invite to prime minister Narendra Modi for the March 4 groundbreaking of the Rs 1,000 crore Umiya Dham project. 

"Inhuman atrocities were committed on Patidars in Gujarat in the last three years under prime minister Narendra Modi. Patidar youths were martyred, they had to face sedition cases, and out mothers-sisters had to face lathis. The invite to PM Modi is an attempt by some community leaders to further their political ambitions," Hardik wrote in the letter to the organisation's office bearers.

The 25-year-old, who announced recently that he would be contesting in the LS polls, said that by inviting Modi, the religious programme would be converted into an election rally.

RP Patel, coordinator of Vishv Umiya Foundation, however, denied the charges.

"We have invited the prime minister for the groundbreaking ceremony, and will invite whoever the PM is at the time of its dedication. Umiya Dham will be a world-class project, and it is only befitting that the PM does the honours," he said. He also denied Hardik's charge of political reasons behind inviting Modi, saying "I have no political ambitions."

In the letter, Hardik said there was no dearth of Patidar political leaders if the Foundation's wish was to have the groundbreaking done by a politician.

"The groundbreaking could have been performed by erstwhile royals who gave up their kingdoms for the country's unity, or by 101 Brahmins, or 100 girls from poor Patidar families," he wrote. He warned that the decision could lead to anger among Patidar youths. The Rs1,000-crore Umiya Dham project would come up at Jaspur village. In the first phase, it will comprise a temple of Umiya Mata, a skill university, and hostels. In the second phase, education and sports facilities, and competitive exams preparation centre, would be added. Community members have announced Rs 375 crore donation for the project so far.

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