The Congress and Hardik Patel-led Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) on Sunday reached an agreement over latter’s demand about reservation for the Patidars in government jobs and educational institutions.
PAAS convener Dinesh Bamania told reporters that the grand old part has agreed on providing Constitutional reservation to the community. He added that Patidar agitation leader Hardik Patel will on Monday make an announcement about the formula during a rally in Rajkot.
According to Bamania, the agreement was reached during a meeting between community leaders and Congress leaders including its state president Bharatsinh Solanki.
To a question related to tickets, Bamania said that there was discussion on ticket. He, however, added that if the Congress party decides to give tickets to PAAS leaders, the outfit will think about it.
Solanki also confirmed that the two sides have reached an agreement over the matter. When he was quizzed about the formula, the Congress leader refused to divulge anything.
“Congress and PAAS have reached an agreement. Tomorrow (November 20), Hardik will put his views at a Rajkot rally. Consensus have been reached on all issues that were figured during the meet,” he said.
Yesterday, the PAAS had given the Congress a 24-hour deadline to declare its stand on granting reservation to the community.
Bamania had claimed that Solanki initially had a brief meeting with PAAS leaders in Delhi on Friday and told them that there would be a detailed meeting again after the Congress Central Election Committee’s meeting got over.
After the waiting, and after speaking to PAAS leader Hardik Patel, Bamania gave an ultimatum to the Congress to declare its stand on the reservation status within 24 hours or else face the PAAS’ opposition.
Elections for Gujarat Assembly (182 seats) will be held out in two phases on December 9 and 14. Counting of votes will take place on December 18.
