The recent move of Modi cabinet to grant 10% reservation to economically weaker sections of the general category in government jobs and educational institutions has completely exposed the hypocrisy of Patidar quota agitation leader Hardik Patel. Talking to Republic TV, Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti’s (PAAS) Hardik Patel appeared far too ambivalent on an issue he owes political rise to.
He said, “There could be a possibility that this was Narendra Modi’s last resort and as far as this 10% reservation for the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) is concerned. Only the cabinet has approved it. How will they implement it? You are talking about amending the constitution and now the last 2 days of the parliament is left. What was the need to make a decision regarding this so urgently? How will you implement it now? Constitution has made it clear that the reservation can be given on the basis of caste and socially backward criteria. You did not even conduct any survey to determine the economically backward. This could be another Jumla and this is a bigger question”.
Hardik Patel further added, “On the basis of Column 14 and 16 of the constitution, you can give the reservation on the grounds of education and employment. We will have to go through their entire formula and scrutinize what their cabinet has prepared. There are only 2 days left for the parliament. Without any survey you have taken a decision, how will they implement it? They should implement it as soon as possible then we will welcome it otherwise we will oppose it.”
According to a PTI report, Hardik Patel also stated, “We are neither accepting nor rejecting the (Centre’s) decision at this stage. The decision is welcome if it is implemented successfully and without delay.” He further added, “If 10 per cent reservation is implemented in a short time constitutionally, the PAAS (Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti) will welcome the decision. But if the decision is to offer a lollipop to agitated caste groups, then this will be unacceptable.”
He also raised questions over the timing of the decision and said, “While denying us reservation in the state (Gujarat), the same BJP leaders had said reservation could not exceed 50 per cent. It will be worth watching on what basis such a decision has been taken.”
Hardik Patel’s reaction is quite amusing to watch. He is just one step away from calling reservation a regressive step. The guy who made a career out of Patidaar reservation agitation is completely looking frustrated and squirming. This is what he was demanding earlier and now when the government is taking steps in the direction to implement it then he is rattled. With just one move, the political career of so-called youth leaders like Hardik Patel is in danger who started their career with the reservation issue. Hardik Patel has nothing relevant to say. The media is giving such people unnecessary attention by taking their opinion on an issue in which they have no say and which is out of their intellectual capability.