Patels hold mega rally for OBC quota demand

In a mega show of strength for their demand of inclusion in OBC category for reservation, the Patel community on Tuesday (August 25) warned that if they are not made eligible for quota, the BJP government in Gujarat will face consequences in 2017 polls.

Members of the Patel (Patidar) community carry a cut-out of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel during a meeting and mega rally to press for their demands of reservation, at GMDC Ground in Ahmedabad. (Source: Photo by PTI)

The numerically and economically strong Patel community of Gujarat converged here in large numbers to take part in the rally, which brought the city to a grinding halt.

Huge gathering of community members at the meeting and mega rally organised by the Patel (Patidar) community at the GMDC ground in Ahmedabad. (Source: Photo by PTI)

Members of the Patel community display placards during their Kranti Rally for reservation at GMDC Ground. (Source: Photo by PTI)

After the rally, the Patel community's young leader Hardik Patel, who is spearheading the agitation, said he will sit on a hunger strike at the venue till the Chief Minister (Anandiben Patel) does not come to take a memorandum from them.

Patidar community leader holds a model of a plough during their Kranti Rally for reservation at GMDC Ground in Ahmedabad. (Source: Photo by PTI)

"If you do not give our right (reservation), we will snatch it. Whoever will talk of interest of Patels will rule over Patels," Hardik told the gathering.

Patel community members during their Kranti Rally for reservation in Ahmedabad. (Source: Photo by PTI)

Patidar community members at GMDC Ground during their Kranti Rally. (Source: Photo by PTI)