No compromise on reservation demand, asserts Hardik Patel

Ahmedabad, Feb 11: Patel quota stir spearhead Hardik Patel today ruled out any compromise on demand for reservation for the community in Gujarat as the state Government appeared hopeful of ending the impasse through dialogue.

Hardik made it clear the talks underway with the state Government are only about the release of incarcerated quota agitation leaders and not over demand for reservation in jobs and education for Patels under the OBC category.

His statement came a day after some prominent Patel community representatives announced formation of a committee to mediate between quota agitators and the State Government.

"It is true we are trying to arrive at a compromise. However, this is only about release of (quota) leaders from jail, not about our demand for reservation," said Hardik outside Lajpore jail in Surat, about 265 km from here.

The 22-year-old, who is facing a slew of criminal charges in connection with the agitation, was brought to jail after a court appearance in Mehsana.

Meanwhile, Lalji Patel, President of Sardar Patel Group (SPG), which is also agitating for quota, put forward four demands to resolve the imbroglio. SPG works closely with the Hardik-led Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS).

"To arrive at a compromise, we want Government to accept our four demands - release of all the 13 jailed Patel youths, suspension of policemen who committed atrocities on us, withdrawal of (police) cases against Patels and acceptance of our demand for reservation," Lalji said.

Health Minister and Government spokesperson Nitin Patel sounded hopeful about arriving at an amicable solution soon.

"Discussions are on between Government and some Patel leaders. Our Government wants to establish peace in Gujarat. We are working towards resolving all issues through discussions," said the Minister.

PTI