Normalcy prevails in Gujarat; BJP, Congress trade charges

Gujarat limped back to normalcy today after violence during the Patel quota stir on Sunday and subsequent bandh as the ruling BJP and Opposition Congress indulged in a blame game over the current phase of unrest in the State which goes to polls next year.
Officials said no untoward incident took place in Gujarat today, prompting police to lift mobile Internet ban in Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Surat and Mehsana districts this morning.
A war of words broke out between BJP and Congress each blaming the other for the current state of affairs in Gujarat arising out of the latest phase of the Patel quota agitation launched to seek reservation for the community members under OBC category.

Health Minister and Government spokesperson Nitin Patel accused Congress of inciting the protesters to resort to violence so as to keep the quota issue alive till the 2017 Assembly elections.
Congress refuted the allegation and expressed sympathy for the agitators.
Referring to stone pelting and violent clashes between Patel agitators and police at Mehsana two days back during a 'Jail Bharo' (fill the jail) rally, Nitin claimed Congress- backed elements egged on the rioters.

"Most of the agitators were against any violence and announced they will only court arrest in a peaceful manner. But, some Congress-backed elements started hurling stones and incited others for violence. We know that Congress was behind this act," alleged the Minister.

"When Government and quota agitators are engaged in talks to arrive at a solution, Congress is deliberately trying to stall the peace process as they want to drag the issue till the 2017 Assembly polls to gain political mileage," he said.
However, senior Congress leader Shankersinh Vaghela claimed violence occurred due to the "adamant" attitude of the BJP Government.
"Congress was nowhere involved in the quota agitation or in the violence. It is happening because Government is not ready to listen to the agitators. However, we do support their cause as everyone has a right to agitate and raise their demands," said Vaghela, a former Chief Minister.

On Sunday, police and quota agitators came face to face in Mehsana, where members of Sardar Patel Group (SPG) led by its chief Lalji Patel gathered for 'Jail Bharo' programme.
In the stone pelting and subsequent action by police, Lalji sustained head injury. He is being treated at a Mehsana- based private hospital, said police.
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A mob set ablaze the house of state Home Minister Rajni Patel in Mehsana yesterday.
Meanwhile, a large posse of police personnel has been deployed in and around the hospital where Lalji is being treated.
"We have arrested 19 people in Mehsana. Due to security reasons, we have deployed police force in and outside the hospital where Lalji is being treated.

"As he is also one of the accused (of rioting), we will take a call on arresting him after taking the opinion of doctors," said Mehsana Superintendent of Police Chaitanya Mandlik.