CHICAGO: The controversy surrounding Patidars agitation in Gujarat on the reservation issue has taken many a twist and turn but it has also started spreading innuendo and rumors.
One such rumor has impacted on the standing of a youth community activist, Nirav Patel, in Chicagoland. There were reports in a section of the press that the Youth Convener in Chicago has left OfBJP and has extended his support to the Patidar agitation, and that he is also supportive of the cause advocated by a section of Patidars.
This is far from the truth, said Nirav Patel in a talk to this paper. He said “As a Youth Convener of Overseas Friends of OFBJP, I am with the party and I will be with the party forever. I do support the party and Gujarat CM’s new relief package for non-OBC students and post graduate students.
“I do want to say thanks to CM Gujarat for looking after non-OBC economically poor families. I ask all Patidar Samaj not to support any kind of activity that leads to a further division in our community and results in disturbing peace and harmony in Gujarat and our country.”
Many Indians are dismayed over the reservation stir in India as it is a flash point which can create a division within the community with far reaching impact. Like Nirav Patel a group of Patidars want to disassociate themselves with this type of movement. Especially, they would not like to have a demonstration staged in the name of Patels or Patidars.
Baldev Thakor and others have asserted that the Patidar community of the United States had unanimously opposed the proposed rally against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the United Nations on September 25.
“As members of the overseas Patidar community, we condemn it. This is an exercise in political mud-slinging and we do not want to be a part of it,” said Baldev Thakor, President of Maya Hotels and a concerned Patidar community member. “We wholeheartedly support Modi in his initiatives to take the country to greater heights” he added.
The group believes that the agitations in India and now in US are politically motivated and these protests do not represent the voice of the entire Patidar (Patel) community.
Harish Rao
