Will take agitation to every part of country but no plans to form political party: Hardik Patel

Says that their protest is not a 100 metre race, but a marathon that would continue for at least one or two years

Hardik Patel, who is leading the Patel quota agitation, came to Delhi on Sunday to hold talks with quota stir leaders, including Gujjars and Jats, and said that he wants to take the movement to every part of the nation, but has no plans to form a political party.

Addressing a press conference, Patel said, "We have to take this movement across the country. And, through the cooperation of everyone, the issue of reservation has to be explained to every person, society and state. Till now, 12 states are involved in this agitation. We are not here to meet any minister. Political parties are not welcome in the agitation, and I have no plans to form a political party."

Patel also said that their protest is not a 100 metre race, but a marathon that would continue for at least one or two years.
 

"We (Patel community) are 27 crores in the whole country. We have to unite them and we will take this protest across the country," Patel told media here.

On being asked whether reservation is necessary for development, he said, "It's the political parties, which has brought up reservation policy during elections for 5 to 10 years. Now, it's been going on for 60 years. Due to reservation the country is 60 years behind. The government needs to give reservation to the needy.