This is an archive article published on July 11, 2016
Hardik Patel may head to UP if he clears bail hurdle today
If granted bail in the Visnagar case, Hardik would be brought to Surat’s Patidar-dominated Varachha locality in an open truck.
Written by Kamal Saiyed
Surat | Updated: July 11, 2016 01:42 AM IST
2 min read
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Surat: Police produce PAAS convener Hardik Patel at a court in Surat on Saturday. PTI Photo (PTI4_16_2016_000096B)
Patidar quota stir leader Hardik Patel would likely shift base to Uttar Pradesh for six months and garner support from the Kurmi community there, if granted bail by a Visnagar court on Monday in a vandalism case.
Expecting possible release of Hardik from Surat’s Lajpore jail on Monday, his outfit Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti has planned a large gathering of his supporters outside the prison. The Gujarat High Court on Friday had granted bail to the 22-year-old, lodged in jail since his arrest in October last year for alleged sedition, but asked him to stay away from the state for six months.
If granted bail in the Visnagar case, Hardik would be brought to Surat’s Patidar-dominated Varachha locality in an open truck. It would pass through other localities dominated by the community such as Sarthana and Kapodara. The Samiti leaders have also planned a public gathering in Varachha to celebrate Hardik’s possible release.
“We are hopeful that he will be released on bail on Monday by Visnagar court. A large number of people will reach Surat district Central jail… his family members will also be there… We are hopeful that the Patidars will throng the streets to catch a glimpse of their dearest leader on Monday. We will contact Surat police for permission to take out a rally on Monday,” said Dharmik Malaviya, co-convener of the Samiti’s Surat unit.
“Hardik Patel will stay here for one night and then leave the state. Hardik may go to Maharashtra or Uttar Pradesh to stay there for six months. Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh are scheduled for 2017 and he is likely to meet the Kurmi community people (or Patidars) and their leaders, seeking support for the quota agitation,” said Malaviya.
Malaviya said the Samiti has sent bulk SMSes and WhatsApp messages to the Patidars to ensure grand welcome for Hardik.
Kamal Saiyed is a senior Correspondent for The Indian Express, providing extensive, on-the-ground coverage from Surat and the broader South Gujarat region and the Union territories of Daman, Diu & Dadra Nagar Haveli. With a reporting career at the publication spanning back to 2007, he has established himself as a high-authority voice on the industrial, social, and political pulse of one of India’s fastest-growing urban hubs.
Expertise
Industrial & Economic Beat: Based in the "Diamond City," Saiyed offers expert reporting on the diamond and textile industries. His work tracks global market shifts (such as De Beers production changes), local trade policies, and the socio-economic challenges facing the millions of workers in Surat’s manufacturing hubs.
Civic & Infrastructure Coverage: He consistently reports on urban development and public safety in Surat, including:
Traffic & Urban Planning: Monitoring the city's 13-fold increase in traffic violations and the implementation of new municipal drives.
Public Safety: Investigative reporting on infrastructure failures, fire safety NOC compliance in schools and commercial buildings, and Metro rail progress.
Political Reporting: Tracking the shifting dynamics between the BJP, Congress, and AAP in South Gujarat and the neighboring Union Territories (Daman, Diu, and Dadra & Nagar Haveli).
Crime beat: Armed with a good source network Saiyed has been able to bring out the human side of crime stories in his region ... Read More
2 min read
Surat: Police produce PAAS convener Hardik Patel at a court in Surat on Saturday. PTI Photo (PTI4_16_2016_000096B)
