Move welcome if implemented, says Hardik Patel

Hours after the union cabinet approved 10 per cent reservation for Economically Backward Classes (EBC), Patidar leader Hardik Patel said he welcomed the decision if it gets implemented at the earliest.

"We are neither accepting nor rejecting the government's decision at this stage. The decision is welcome if it is implemented successfully and without delay," Hardik, who has been pressing for reservation for Patidars in higher education and government jobs for over three years, said.

The 25-year-old Patidar leader said that if the 10 per cent reservation is implemented within a short time as per the Constitution, "the Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAA) will welcome it". "It will be unacceptable if the decision is to offer a lollipop to the protesting communities," he added.

Citing a decision taken by the Anandiben Patel government in 2016 to offer 10 per cent reservation to the economically weaker sections, which was scrapped by the High Court, Hardik cautioned if today's decision was also another 'jumla'. He also alleged that the announcement could be a ploy to divert attention from the Rafale controversy.

Former Gujarat Congress president Bharatsinh Solanki said that the decision showed BJP's nervousness ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. "If the reservation is indeed implemented, and does not remain a hollow promise, it is right. But it looks like a desperate measure as the BJP and the PM are worried about defeat in the elections," he said.