One more Hardik aide quits calling him autocratic

In yet another blow to Patidar leader Hardik Patel, a key functionary of the Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) Nikhil Sawani has quit the organization in protest against the "autocratic and politically motivated" style of functioning of its firebrand leader.

The development comes after three close aides of Patel snapped ties recently on similar allegations and that of financial bungling. Hardik Patel is at present in exile in Rajasthan on orders of the Gujarat High Court.

Sawani, who had played a key role during the quota stir last year in Surat and elsewhere and participated in long drawn fast demanding release of Hardik Patel from jail, has resigned from all the posts of the outfit alleging that the PAAS leader was taking all decision unanimously without consulting others and taking the agitation on a political path.

This has come as a surprise since Nikhil Sawani was recently appointed as convenor of Vadodara, Bharuch and Narmada districts, besides already holding the fort at key agitation centre Surat, as well as included on a dedicated panel to represent that PAAS in TV discussions and programmes.

Earlier, Chirag Patel and Ketan had alleged that Hardik, who is now camping in Udaipur for six months as per bail condition, was misusing the funds collected in the name of the agitation for a personal luxurious lifestyle. The two were later suspended from the outfit.

Meanwhile, PAAS leader from Morbi in Saurashtra, Nilesh Ervadiya, who was the first to be booked under sedition charges during the quota stir, also alleged that Hardik was going wayward and the agitation was losing direction. He also alleged that Hardik was being misled by certain political leaders.

In his resignation letter addressed to Hardik, Savani has alleged that the PAAS leader who used to decide everything by consensus is now taking unilateral decisions. He rued that the leader had forgotten the cause of the agitation and was playing into the hands of certain politicians.

--IANS

desai/rn