Hardik Patel. Hardik Patel.

Launching a direct attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel, Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) leader Hardik Patel on Saturday raised several issues concerning the “Gujarat model” which is being widely publicised across the country. “Two farmers have committed suicide during the last one week and it is publicised that farmers in Gujarat are prosperous. I want to ask both the Prime Minister and the Chief minister if this is the Gujarat model they are talking about where the state police beat up Patidar men and women agitating peacefully; where a policeman rapes a minor in Surat,” said Patel, addressing mediapersons on Saturday.

Hardik pointed out that while CrPC Section 144 was not imposed during the funeral procession of Yakub Memon in Mumbai, the same section was imposed in Ahmedabad when the procession of Shwetang Patel — who died in Ahmedabad during the Patidar agitation in August — was taken out. “Is this the Gujarat model,” he asked. “Our Prime Minister talks of implementing this Gujarat model across the country. If this model is implemented, will it be in the interest of the nation?” Patel asked while reading out from a printed speech.

The 22-year-old leader termed the Gujarat model as a “myth” and said he will “expose” the reality behind it. “When such wrong and misleading notions about Gujarat model is being spread by our leaders, which is totally against the reality here, we have decided to expose the well-propagated myth,” he said.

He alleged that Patels were being subjected to violence by police and the state government delayed the local body polls for its benefit. “Patels are being singled out by police and mercilessly thrashed. BJP-led Gujarat government brought an ordinance to delay the local body polls, for their benefit. Is this Gujarat model? What will happen when such a model, for which our PM takes credit all the time, will be implemented across India?” asked Hardik.

Hardik, who is also president of Patidar Navnirman Sena (PNS), claimed that the outfit has presence in 16 states and its members will hold various programmes across India, including Bihar, to educate their community through public gatherings.

“As of now, more than 56 lakh members have registered with PNS. Not just Bihar, we will organise programmes in various parts of country to tell people about the atrocities police have committed on us in Gujarat,” he said.

Hardik rejected state government’s Rs 1,000 crore package announced recently for the students of economically backward class (EBC) sections of non-reserved category. “We don’t want such package. We want only reservation. If government claims that reservation can’t be given as per the present laws, then I want the government to explain to us, under which laws it cannot give us reservation,” said Hardik.

(with PTI inputs)

📣 The Indian Express is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@indianexpress) and stay updated with the latest headlines

For all the latest Ahmedabad News, download Indian Express App.