BEHIND THE rapid turn of events through Saturday night and Sunday, when Patidar agitation leader Hardik Patel decided to put off the “reverse Dandi march” and hold talks with the Gujarat government Monday, is said to be IGP N D Solanki and Dinesh Navadiya, president of Surat Diamond Association, who decided to bring the Patidar leaders to the table. Solanki, currently posted with CID (Intelligence) in Gandhinagar, has done a long stint in Surat. He was seen outside the CM’s office, monitoring the situation Monday. Solanki said: “I am an intelligence officer. I tour everywhere as part of my job.” The countdown to the talks began Saturday night, but not without its share of differences between Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) convenor Hardik Patel and his Surat lieutenant Alpesh Katheriya. [related-post] The other factor that contributed to the decision to put off the “reverse Dandi march” was the possibility of clashes with other OBC communities like Kolis, who had threatened to counter the rally. Besides, there was an apparent loss of support following differences within the community over its members facing another round of police assault, as the rally did not have permission and the administration had decided to bar all internet services. Differences also emerged between Kadva and Leuva Patidars, who had supported the quota agitation so far. Pressure had started mounting with the police forbidding entry of all vehicles beyond Eru Cross Road in Navsari district, from where Dandi is 18 kms away. Katheriya admitted that many Patidars who had earlier offered night halts had backed out. “With all communication services suspended and entry barred, they were left with no choice. Had they chosen to take out the yatra even with the 78 people from Dandi, in the event of a police assault, they would have to take refuge in the villages, all of which are dominated by Kolis who are already baying for their blood,” said a source who was part of the mediation process. In the backdrop of all this, the compromise formula was worked out in Navadiya’s office in Varachha, Surat, where the Patidar leaders, first led by Katheriya and later joined by Hardik Patel, held discussions through Saturday night. According to sources, Hardik first objected to Katheriya deciding on his behalf to meet Chief Minister Anandiben Patel. He later gave in on the condition that the government accept their demand for withdrawing cases against Patidars and take action against the police. While Hardik is a Kadva Patel, Katheriya is a Leuva. When contacted, Navadiya told The Indian Express, “The meetings were held in my office. in the presence of a top level IPS officer.” He, however, refused to disclose the officer’s name or further details. The meetings were initiated by this “top level IPS officer” who met Navadiya on Saturday afternoon. Navadiya knew Katheriya’s father who was in the diamond business. Katheriya and four other Patidar leaders, all from Saurashtra, were called to his office. According to a source, Navadiya asked them “which of these five would you like to hold talks with: Saurabh Patel (finance minister), Rajnikant Patel (MoS, home), R C Faldu (state BJP chief), Mansukh Mandaviya (RS MP and BJP general secretary) and Gordhan Zadaphia (former minister). The Patidars chose to talk to Saurabh Patel.” The “top IPS officer”, Navadiya and the Patidar leaders remained in his office till the early hours of Sunday. Till 11 pm Saturday, Hardik’s team was sending out messages that he would be available at Dandi the following morning, while he himself remained incommunicado. However, by 9 pm, Hardik, who was on his way to Surat, had been informed about the deal and was “very annoyed”, according to a source. Around 12:30 am, Katheriya announced that the march had been postponed and they would meet Anandiben on Monday. This was after Saurabh Patel reportedly sent a text message to Navadiya, at 11 pm Saturday, stating, “Madam agreed, Patidar meeting at 11 am”.
