PATELS: A READY RECKONER

THE PATELS OF GUJARAT

The Patidars or Patels are a largely wealthy business community that has been a driving force in India’s economy, dominating trades such as diamonds, textiles and agro businesses. They wield wide political power in Gujarat and are divided into three sub-castes — the Leuvas, Kadavas and Anjanas. Together, Patels account for 12-15% of Gujarat’s 63 m people.

WHY ARE THEY AGITATING?

Traditionally, Patels have been seasonal farmers and businessmen, but inflation and unhelpful government policies have taken the edge off their enterprise. According to RBI figures, a fifth of some 2,60,000 micro, small and medium enterprises have gone sick. Patels say caste-based reservations for other communities have deprived them of jobs and benefits.

WHAT DO THEY WANT?

They want the government to scrap quotas for Muslims, Scheduled Castes and Other Backward Classes (OBCs). Alternatively, they want to be reclassified down the caste system to OBCs, guaranteeing them a share of government jobs and in school.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

It is likely the Patels will intensify their protests and even find support from higher castes in Gujarat who do not enjoy benefits of affirmative government action. The protests in Gujarat could also galvanise similar existing demands by Jats & Gujjars. The agitation could play a role in the forthcoming elections in Bihar with Hardik Patel, extending his support to Bihar CM Nitish Kumar.