Even as the Gandhinagar administration denied permission to Patidar quota stir leader Hardik Patel to sit on an indefinite hunger strike from August 25 (Saturday), the young leader is determined to go ahead with his strike.
Patel said on Friday that he would begin his hunger strike at his residence, or if needed in jail. Patel, convener of Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS), is demanding reservation for Patidars in jobs and education, and loan waiver for farmers.
A large number of PAAS leaders are also expected to sit with Patel on hunger strike.
Gandhinagar Collector S.K. Langa said permission was denied taking into consideration the fact that it could create a law and order issue.
Patel has accused the state government of curtailing his right to protest in a democratic manner.
The date marks the third anniversary of the zenith of Patidar stir. On August 25, 2015, Patel had addressed a mega rally at the Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation (GMDC) ground in Ahmedabad. After the rally, 14 people were killed in the violence that broke out.
Hundreds of agitating Patidars were imprisoned and released on bail later. The state government had promised to withdraw the cases against them. However, there are several cases that have still not been withdrawn.
Patel too faces sedition charges and is out on bail.
The leaves of all police personnel have been cancelled till August 25.
Meanwhile, a local court on Friday extended the police custody of Alpesh Kathiria, a close aide of Patel, for two more days. He was arrested for sedition a few days ago. The case is one-and-a-half years old.
Government pleader Sudhir Brahmbhatt said Kathiria is not cooperating in the investigation and that the police needs to know details of the phone calls he made during the Patidar agitation. The police is also investigating the funding sources and details of Patidar supporters.