Hardik Patel, the face of the Patidar agitation in Gujarat, announced plans for a nation-wide agitation seeking reservation for nearly “27 crore people” of various communities including Gujjars and Kurmis.
“I intend to bring 27 crore people our community together which are in different states. I want to take our movement all over the nation. Wherever the Patel community needs me, I will go.
“During this time, if we feel the need for muscle power of the community, they will help us. And whenever required they will block the highways,” Hardik told a news conference at the Press Club.
The 22-year-old leader of the agitation, who had challenged the BJP last week at a mega rally in Ahmedabad, on Sunday said he would take the agitation to Delhi and across the nation if need be.
“We want to take our movement all over the nation,” he said. “We are thinking of holding a protest at Jantar Mantar here in Delhi, and also in Lucknow… This is not a 100 meters race, it is a marathon.”
Patel, who is in Delhi, is expected to hold talks with leaders of other sections demanding reservation — including Gujjars and Jats.
“We intend to organise a mega rally in Lucknow, Jantar Mantar…. we will give a call to the Patels of India,” he said.
“Whatever has happened in Gujarat, we want to take it at the national level and there are (people of) around 12 states who are connected to us,” he said.
The young leader also announced he won’t allow any political party to join his agitation and that he wants to turn the stir into a national movement.
“We are not here to meet any ministers. Political parties are not welcome in the agitation,” said Patel.
Favouring reservation for poor from every community, he said, “The country has gone back 60 years because of reservations and this has hindered its prospects of becoming a super power. Those who score good marks but are still unable to get admission require reservation.
“The day there is a proper blueprint on reservation, we can strengthen our country and take it to a new level.”
When asked about his political views, Hardik said he likes the views of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and dressing sense of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his thoughts on the security of the nation.
“I am not a politician and have no intentions of becoming one,” he said.
Hardik had led a massive rally on August 25 to press for quota for Patidar community under OBC category in Ahmedabad. His detention was followed by widespread violence which claimed the lives of 10 people including a police constable and kept the state administration on tenterhooks.