Hardik Patel's plans to disrupt Rajkot ODI foiled

Patel and his aides detained in Rajkot

Patidar reservation agitation leader Hardik Patel's intentions to disrupt the India-South Africa One Day International (ODI) cricket match were foiled owing to tough resistance from the state administration. Patel, the leader of Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) and Patidar Navnirman Sena (PNS), was detained earlier during the day along with four of his aides while they were on their way towards the Saurashtra Cricket Association (SCA) stadium at Khandheri on the outskirts of Rajkot.  The Gandhi-Mandela Freedom Series cricket match was held peacefully amidst strict security arrangements made by the Rajkot district administration. It is estimated that over 2,100 policemen have been deployed to ward off any trouble from the Patidar protesters who aimed to grab the attention of international media by shouting slogans and carrying banners. Gagandeep Gambhir, Rajkot (Rural) Superintendent of Police said, "Hardik and his friends were dressed up like villagers wearing turbans and all. We detained them earlier during the day on grounds that he had issued repeated threats in recent times that he and his supporters wished to disrupt the match." Patel was detained from Madhapar cross road area when he was on his way to Khanderi to the SCA cricket stadium.

Patel had repeatedly said that he and his supporters would shout slogans and carry Patidar reservation related banners inside the stadium, and if not allowed to enter the venue,  they would gather a crowd outside the stadium and stage a protest demonstration.

Gambhir further added that no decision was yet taken as to when Patel could be released. It depended on the situation, she said adding that there have been no instances of law and order violation in Rajkot district. A couple of public buses were, however, burnt down in Hamirpar and Mahendranagar in Morbi district, a well-known ceramic manufacturing hub in Gujarat.

A handful of people also tried to block the Kamrej crossing near National Highway 8 in Surat, which was promptly disbanded. "Around 17 people had gathered at the Kamrej crossing near the highway and used electric poles etc to try to block the highway. They, however, did not have public support and the attempt was foiled by the police readily," informed Rajender Kumar, collector, Surat.

The district administration had taken pre-emptive measures in the wake of the threats issued by the Patidar leader, and mobile internet and SMS services were put under suspension since Saturday night till Monday morning in Rajkot. Additional police personnel were brought in from Ahmedabad and the SCA stadium was virtually turned into a fortress. The area surrounding the SCA stadium had heavy deployment of police and para-military forces including State Reserve Police.

Earlier during the day Patel had told mediapersons that he had bought tickets for the match and wanted to get inside the stadium. In what seems to be a mark of Patel losing his popularity within the state, the OBC Ekta Manch, an outfit that is trying to guard the rights and interests of other OBC categories in Gujarat has criticised Patel's tactics and said that this is not the way to fight for reservation. "Because of one person, the law and order situation is getting affected in Gujarat. The government needs to take strict steps to stop this agitation," said a leader of the OBC Ekta Manch.

It may be noted here that Gujarat had witnessed widespread violence following the detention of Patel earlier on August 25 when he took out a mega rally in Ahmedabad.