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Hardik Patel, the leader of the Patel quota movement, is set to organize reverse Dandi march from Dandi to Ahmedabad this week to stir the agitation in the second level. It is well known that Mahatma Gandhi spearhead ‘Dandi March’ in 1930 was an important event in the independence movement. Hardik chooses the point to cleverly strengthen the agitation of the Patel community and pass the message across various stake-holders.

'Patidar Anamat Kooch' - Patel community agitation

Dinesh Patel, core committee member of Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS), said, "Mahatma Gandhi did Dandi March on this route, starting from Sabarmati in Ahmedabad till Dandi in south Gujarat. Walking on this 350-km route, we will hold our own 'Patidar Anamat Kooch'.”

Also read: Patel community agitation turns violent in Ahmedabad

Dinesh and Hardik launched the second phase of agitation in sought of OBC reservation for Patel community. As a part of second phase of agitation, Hardik along with other PAAS leaders conducted marathon meetings with student groups, local Patel leaders and Patel businessmen.

"The march will be organized on the same route where Dandi March was held. However, our march will be in the reverse direction. Instead of going to Dandi from Ahmedabad, we will start our march from Dandi and arrive at Ahmedabad. As per our tentative schedule, it will be organized on either September 5 or 6," Dinesh added.

"Hardik also went to Lajpore jail near the city and met around 40 Patel youths who were lodged there by police in false cases during the violence. Hardik also met an injured woman at a hospital. She was hit by a teargas shell during violence.”

According to Dinesh, Gandhigiri-style program is included in the second round of agitation to make every Patel community MLA shed light on their stand on OBC quota reservation for the community. Out of 182 MLAs in Gujarat, 35 belong to Patel community.

-Sumana