Ahmedabad: Police to close 4 main roads for Patel gathering

Even as the Gujarat government announced its inability to grant reservation to the agitating Patel community, city police today said that four main roads here will remain closed from 5 A.M. On Tuesday to avoid any unwarranted traffic problems during the mass gathering called that day to press the demand.
The announcement was made by Joint Commissioner of Police (JCP), Special Branch, Vikas Sahay during a press conference.
Sahay said that more than 3 lakh people from outside the city are expected to join the gathering of Patel community at GMDC ground near IIM-Ahmedabad campus.
"We expect that around 3 lakh people would come to the city to take part in the gathering. Since they will enter from different routes, we have declared four main roads as 'No Vehicle Zones' for that day. No vehicles will be allowed on these roads from 5 A.M. Till the end of the meet," Sahay said.

The said roads are the stretch from Shivranjani to AEC crossroads, Nehrunagar circle to Darpan crossroads, Vijay crossroads till Thaltej via Drive-In and Nehrunagar to Iskcon crossroads via Shivranjani.
"Since these roads will remain closed that day, commuters can use other alternative routes. I request people not to come to these areas unless very necessary. As an exception, we have instructed our staff to allow patients and students on these roads," Sahay said.

Demanding reservation under OBC quota, the Patel community, led by Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti, had announced they would hold a mega rally which would begin from the Sabarmati riverfront.

However, after deliberations with police and civic authorities, they agreed to hold a gathering at GMDC ground instead of going ahead with the rally.
Meanwhile, Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel today ruled out any reservation for the Patel community citing the Constitution and Supreme Court judgements. The chief minister also urged the members of the community to end their ongoing agitation.