Both these communities are polarized on opposite sides of the reservation debate. Sixty-three percent Patidars support OBC status for the community. Only 18% OBCs concur with the demand. Endorsing one group’s demand is likely to alienate the other. While the Congress leadership has been vocal against the government on police firing on Patidar protestors, it has been cautious on supporting the demand for reservation due to the fear of alienating OBCs. The BJP has so far managed to prevent reservations from becoming a salient issue in the elections. The state government conducted another round of talks with Hardik Patel and other Patidar leaders last week. While the government’s offers for setting up a commission for looking into reservation demands by upper castes, withdrawing cases against Patidar youngsters, providing assistance to families of youth who were killed in police firing were welcomed by the leaders, they weren’t enough to make them suspend their movement. How the reservation issue plays out in the election may depend on whether Hardik Patel and Alpesh Thakor’s organizations extend support to any party. Until now, both leaders have kept their cards close to their chest and clarity on their position is expected in the new few weeks.