Haven't received any letter from Hardik: Guj Chief Minister

Image
Press Trust of India Rajkot
Last Updated : Jan 08 2016 | 11:07 PM IST
Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel today said she had not received any letter from the jailed Patel quota agitation leader Hardik Patel reportedly questioning whether she belonged to the Patel community.
"I can't say anything about the letter because I have not received the so-called letter," Anandiben told mediapersons in Bedla town of the district where she had come for state government's "Gunotsav" programme.
The CM said her government was holding meetings with Patidar (Patel) leaders and had withdrawn several cases registered against the youths from the community (filed during the violent agitation for reservations in OBC quota).
"Nearly 250 cases have been dropped by the government and the number would increase," she said.
In the letter addressed to the CM, sent from Surat jail, Hardik reportedly accused BJP of using Patels as a votebank.
"During your speech at a function... Few days back you said Patels are selfish and thieves. Now I am having a doubt as to whether you really belong to the Patel community," he asked the Chief Minister.
"This is the same Patel community which supported BJP for last 30 years in building its base in Gujarat. We gave you votes and money. BJP came to power with our support," Hardik said in the letter.
The government has withdrawn non-serious criminal cases against Patel youths, but the sedition cases filed against Hardik and his top aides have not been withdrawn.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Jan 08 2016 | 11:07 PM IST

Next Story