Can Patidar votes really shift the dynamics of Gujarat elections

Patels constitute around 15-16 per cent of Gujarat's population and hold influence in at least 60 seats in the state assembly.

In 2015, When the Patidar reservation agitation grabbed national headlines, many of us were unaware of the existence of their political might. Gujarat Assembly Elections which are scheduled for December 9 and December 14 have brought this political force to the fore.

Hardik Patel who emerged as a political figure from remnants of the 2015 violence, has steadily scaled the political ladder and has aligned with Congress for the Gujarat Assembly elections 2017, the result of which will be announced on December 18.

While Congress in their election manifesto has promised reservations for the Patel community, BJP is