Cong has promised quota, says Hardik

Patidar leader Hardik Patel said on Wednesday that the Congress has accepted the community’s demand to be given quotas in jobs and college admissions if voted to power, an understanding that could help swing crucial votes in the Gujarat elections due next month.

“Congress has agreed to give Patidars reservation. They have said they will bring a bill in Gujarat assembly if voted to power,” said Patel, the leader of the powerful Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS).

Legal experts however said the Congress promise may not pass judicial muster due to the 50% cap on quotas.

“We cannot cross that limit. Even if the survey about the backwardness of any community is conducted, the eligible community has to be included in the existing 50% quota. There is no scope of additional quota,” said senior Gujarat High Court lawyer Girish Patel.

Patidars make up around 12% of the state’s population and can potentially influence the outcome in around 60 seats in a 182member state assembly.

Patel said the formula will be included in Congress’s manifesto and the reservation will be based on Article 46 and Article 31 of the Constitution. “The existing 49% SC/ST/OBC reservation will not be disturbed”.

However,heclaimedtherehad been no ticket-sharing arrangement with the Congress and that his outfit PAAS will continue its agitation. “I am not joining any political party,” Patel declared.

He also hit out at the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. “The BJP is trying to fund independent Patidar candidates to divide votes and win.”

AHMEDABAD: