Poster boy of the Gujarat Patel reservation agitation, Hardik Patel was once again arrested and detained by Surat police, along with 35 of his supporters ahead of his 'Ekta Yatra'. The step bore similar and expected consequences as community members led vociferous protests calling for the leader's immediate release.
The arrest was followed by massive protests and violent demonstrations and, mobile internet service ban across the state, much to the agony of the citizens. Tensions grew in Ahmedabad as areas witnessed protests by Patel women who came out in flocks, clanging utensils against rolling pins. The police booked nearly 1000 women for throwing stones at a OBC-dominated Rabari colony. Inspector Paresh Solanki of Ramol police station said, “We have registered a case of rioting against 4500 unidentified people, including 800 to 1000 women.”
Meanwhile, all prepped to oppose Hardik's rally, OBC community leader Alpesh Thakor of the OBC Ekta Manch had sought permission from the government to take out a 'Pratikar Yatra' in retaliation to Hardik's Ekta Rally, which was denied by Navsari collector Remya Mohan. He announced that, “If they will take out their rally, we will be there in each and every village to stop them.”
