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Satisfied With Congress’ Options On Reservation: Hardik Patel 

I now firmly believe that Congress’ formula for reservations is right, says Hardik Patel.

Patidar leader Hardik Patel.
Patidar leader Hardik Patel.

Patidar quota agitation spearhead Hardik Patel on 11 November, Monday expressed satisfaction over the three options given by the Congress on how the party would grant reservation to Patels if voted to power, and said the community leaders will take a final call by Tuesday.

After studying various documents related to reservation given by the Congress earlier, Hardik claimed that it was a misconception that reservation cannot go beyond 50 percent.

These options, backed by various provisions in the Constitution and past judgements by the Supreme Court, were submitted to the members of Hardik-led Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) on 8 November, by senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal as part of party's promise that it would grant reservation to the community if voted to power.

I held a detailed discussion with core PAAS members about the options given to us by Congress. After going through various documents and judgements, I now firmly believe that their formula is right.
Hardik Patel

Citing some past judgements by the Supreme Court, Hardik said the apex court had given contradictory judgements about reservation.

In one instance, the SC said that quota can’t go beyond 50 percent. But, another judgement had said reservation beyond that limit can be granted by conducting a survey. Patel community in Madhya Pradesh was included under OBC quota in 1994. Similarly, Patidars in Gujarat can also get reservation.

Hardik had earlier set a condition that he would support the Congress in the Assembly elections, due next month, only if the party committed itself to allotting reservation in education and government jobs to his community.

The polling for the two-phase elections in Gujarat will take place on 9 and 14 December, and votes will be counted on 18 December.

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