GUJARAT LOOKS FOR COMPROMISE

Surat, Feb. 23: The violent Jat stir seems to have set the alarm bells ringing in Gujarat. The state government on Tuesday sent an emissary to meet jailed Patel quota agitation leader Hardik Patel for exploring a compromise on the vexed issue.

Prominent Patel leader and BJP MP Vitthal Radadia, who met Hardik in Lajpore jail, claimed that the government may consider withdrawal of cases registered against Patel leaders, including that of sedition against Hardik and others, if the deal is struck.

“I had a detailed discussion with him (Mr Radadia) on the (Patel quota) issue. I will accept the compromise formula if it is for the benefit of my community,” said Mr Hardik, who was taken out of the jail for production in court in Visnagar.

Mr Radadia and Mr Hardik held a detailed discussion related to issues raised by the Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti, which is leading the agitation for reservation for Patels under OBC category.

“Anandiben Patel (Gujarat Chief Minister) had asked me to meet Mr Hardik on behalf of the state government to find out a possible solution to the ongoing Patel quota agitation,” Mr Radadia told reporters.

He met Mr Hardik inside the jail for over an hour. “I had a very detailed discussion with Hardik on all the issues raised by his organisation. I hope a solution to the problem will be soon arrived at,” Mr Radadia said.

Mr Radadia said his community is hopeful that government will find out some way to provide the reservation benefits to Patels. — PTI