After Gujarat was turned into a battlefield following police action against Patidar leaders who were holding protest rallies demanding reservation for their community, at least 2 BJP Patel MLAs were chased by angry Patidars in Surat. Leuva Patidar's Varachha MLA Kumar Kanani and Karanj MLA Praful Panserya fled from their meetings when community members lashed at them, raising slogans of “Jai Sardar”.
Blaming the police crackdown for the wave of hostility that swept through the state, the crowd retaliated at Panserya's remarks over the community earning a bad name by entering police records. Chief Minister Anandiben Patel had given instructions to MLAs to talk to voters of their constituencies and prompt them to shun violence. The advise, however, did not bode well for those who acted upon it. MLA Kanani, who went to a residential neighbourhood and asked people to maintain peace and not damage public property, was confronted with questions like, “Where were you for two days?”
Panserya later told the media, “We called a meeting with residents of Patidar societies in Simada and appealed for peace. DCP Damor was also there. The people were angry over police action against Patidars. We tried to explain to them that it was important to restore normalcy in the city. We experienced the anger of people. But we will not give up our attempts and will hold more such meetings.”
Meanwhile, the monsoon session of the state Assembly was dampened with the agitation as many BJP and Patel MLAs gave it a miss. At least 4 out of 9 Patidar BJP MLAs from Surat opted out. From the 120 BJP MLAs in Gujarat, 37 belong to the Patel community. Absentees maintained their presence was required in their respective areas given the tense situation. The Assembly complex appeared a “khakhi fortress” due to heavy police presence in view heightened security for ministers and others. “I have been holding meetings with people in my area… we are making peace appeal also,” said Majura MLA Harsh Sanghvi.
After the session ended, MLAs were calling their sisters over to Gandhinagar for the Rakhi festivities, citing they were too scared to return to their constituencies. Most of them have houses in the state capital, apart from official accommodation. “For the first time, we have felt so fearful despite it being our government. If ministers are not safe how can we feel safe,” said an MLA from Saurashtra. “I might visit later as the mob may attack us during the festivities,” said an MLA from north Gujarat.
Patidar mobs had attacked houses and residences of at least 16 Patel leaders, including homes of senior ministers Nitin Patel, Rajnikant Patel, after police showered lathis on protesters and supporters of Hardik Patel.
