Reservation for Patels: Who is Hardik Patel, who has shaken Gujarat CM Anandiben Patel-led BJP govt?

22-year-old Hardik Patel has emerged as a beacon of hope for the youth of Gujarat, who are vying for reservation in government jobs and colleges under Other Backward Classes (OBC) category.

Let's know more about Hardik Patel, who is all set to address a mega 'Kranti rally' on Tuesday, Aug 25 at Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation (GMDC) Ground in Ahemdabad.

Hardik, who has made his presence felt in last 40 days in the Gujarat politics, is said to be close to Congress, but he claims that he has no political affiliations. His father, Bharatbhai Patel is reportedly a mid-level BJP worker.

The young Patel has garnered huge media attention in last few days. He hails from Viramgam town in Ahemdabad district.

Hardik is a convener of 'Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS), an umbrella organisation of Patel groups.

His supporters call him "New Modi" and some even compare him with the 'Iron Man of India' Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. He has been given the title of ‘Patidar Hriday Samrat' by his followers.

In 2011, Hardik launched 'Sardar Patel Sevadal' for the protection of Patels.

Hardik is a B.Com graduate from Sahajanand College in Ahmedabad and scored less than 50% marks.

He used to run his small family business of supplying water to commercial establishments in Viramgam.

He launched his agitation in July 2015 from politically significant Mehsana district. Since last one month, he has travelled across 12 districts of Gujarat to raise his voice.

Hardik is also batting for five percent quota for farm labourers, who do not owe any land.

Around 4.5 lakh people belonging to Patildar or Patel community attended Hardik's Monday rally at Navlakhi compound in Vadodara.

Around 40 lakh people belonging to Kurmi, Gujjar and Patel communities from Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh are expected to attend Hardik's rally on Aug 25.

Patels have held 137 rallies in Gujarat so far.

Politics surrounding Hardik Patel

The ruling-BJP government in Gujarat has accused Congress of trying to disrupt peace in the state and misguide the Patel community.

However, it should be noted that there are six Patels in the Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel-led BJP government.