Ahead of meeting with CM, Hardik seeks blessings of Keshubhai

Keshubhai Patel said he will support the stir if it is conducted in a non-violent way

Ahead of the crucial meeting of Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti with Chief Minister Anandiben Patel later in the day, the Samiti's convenor Hardik Patel today met Keshubhai Patel and sought his blessings for the quota stir.

Hardik and his team members called on the former BJP chief minister at his residence in Gandhinagar.

"We have sought blessings from Keshubhai Patel for our reservation agitation. He said he will support the stir if it is conducted in a non-violent way. We have assured him that it will remain non-violent," Hardik said after the meeting.

He said the meeting of the Patel community leaders with the Chief Minister will mainly deliberate on alleged police brutality during the violence after their mega rally on August 25.

"Our demand includes action against those policemen who were involved in atrocities. We will also raise the issue of compensation to those killed in the violence," Hardik told reporters.

He said they will not oppose the government's proposed announcement of package for poor students belonging to upper caste but stick to their demand of inclusion of the Patel community in the OBC category for reservation.

Hardik had yesterday postponed his 'reverse Dandi March', to September 15, saying that he has been invited by a Cabinet minister for a meeting with the Chief Minister on the issue. It was for the second time he postponed his march.

The meeting is scheduled to take place in the evening.

Hardik said if their issues remained unresolved after the meeting with the chief minister then the march will take place on Tuesday.