AHMEDABAD: As many as 500 Surat-based Patel families have threatened to convert from Hinduism if the community is not granted OBC status and reservation in jobs and education.

All the families reside in Pasodara village near Surat city. Local Patel leaders described the move as a "symbolic protest" against the state government, which "has denied the community reservation benefits under OBC category".

"We have conveyed our wish to convert to various Hindu organisations and leaders of our religion," said Raju Bodara, a prominent member of Akhil Bharatiya Patidar Sena, a Patel group, in Surat district.

Vijay Patel, a local, said the families had been "compelled" to take such a step.

"Looking at the current situation, where the government is terrorising Patels by various means, we are left with no other option but to convert. We are compelled to do so. This government and our religious leaders should introspect," he said.

Meanwhile, it has been reported that the self-styled torchbearer of the Patel quota stir, Hardik Patel, may attend a rally of O P Chautalaled Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) on November 1 at Rohtak. Hardik is currently jailed under sedition charges.

"Hardik had confirmed to me that he would come (before the arrest). If he gets bail, I am sure he will attend the rally ," senior INLD member Abhay Singh Chautala said.