Hardik Patel breaks ‘fast unto death’ after 19 days; no talks with govt yet

Patidar quota leader Hardik Patel ended his ‘fast unto death’ on Wednesday on the request of leaders of two Patidar socio-religious bodies — Khodaldham and Umiyadham. Hardik had been on fast for the past 19 days demanding reservation for Patidar community and loan waiver for farmers. However, no negotiation took place between him and the Gujarat government. Hardik broke the fast by having lemonade from the hands of Patidar community leaders Naresh Patel and C K Patel. After ending his fast, the quota leader said, “The fight for quota for my community and farm loan waiver will continue”. “Hardik was determined to continue his fast. However, we requested him to break the fast and fight against this government. And accepting our demand, Hardik has decided to break his fast through the hands of leaders of Khodaldham and Umiyadham at 3 pm,” Panara had said earlier in the day. Khodaldham and Umiyadham are the highest religious places of Leuva and Kadva Patidars in Gujarat. Hardik had begun his ‘fast unto death’ from August 25 at his residence near Vaishnodevi Circle in Ahmedabad. Later, he also sought the release of PAAS convener Alpesh Kathiriya from jail. Kathiriya is behind bars since August 19 in connection with a sedition case registered against him by the Gujarat government. Hardik was visited by many noted personalities during this fast like Prakash Ambedkar, Shatrughan Sinha, Yashwant Sinha, Harish Rawat, Jignesh Mevani etc. While the Gujarat government did not hold any discussions with him, it asked certain leaders of Patidar organisations like C K Patel of Vishv Umiya Foundation to mediate talks between Hardik and the state government. PAAS, however, refused mediation by C K Patel. During this fast period, Hardik also declared his will in which he declared to donate his eyes and distribute his property between his parents, sister and families of 14 Patidar youths who were killed in the reservation agitation in 2015. Hardik had chosen to be hospitalised on September 7 after complaining of breathlessness and damage to the kidneys. The doctors at government Sola Civil Hospital had begun his treatment while stating that his vitals were normal. Within hours, Hardik got himself shifted to SGVP Holistic Hospital near Vaishnodevi Circle. After staying there for a couple of days, he was later discharged. He, however, announced to ‘continue’ his fast at his residence. Source: Indian Express