Hardik Patel’s PAAS Extends Support to Arvind Kejriwal

Arvind Kejriwal (left) and Hardik Patel (right). (Photo: The Quint)

The Patel quota agitation leader, Hardik Patel, extended the Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti’s (PAAS) support to Arvind Kejriwal in return for the Delhi CM's support for the community's demand for quota and OBC status, reported The Hindu.

The letter was handed over to Kejriwal by Patel's aides in Mehsana Friday late night.

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Kejriwal to Join Hands With PAAS

According to an NDTV report, Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal is aiming to get Hardik Patel on-board to further the cause of his party in BJP-ruled Gujarat next year.

The report says that AAP members have reached out to the 23-year-old leader of the PAAS to join hands with the party.

This development comes only a day before Kejriwal’s three-day Gujarat tour starting on Friday.

Just like any other political party, we are in touch with local leaders who want to work for the people. We have approached Hardik and he has assured all support to AAP.

An AAP Leader to NDTV

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Who is Hardik Patel?

Hardik Patel is the convener of the PAAS and has led the movement for reservation for Patidars.

A BCom graduate with less than 50 percent marks from Ahmedabad’s Sahajanand College, he started working right after graduation for his father, who runs a water pump business. The middle-class family belongs to Viramgam, rural Ahmedabad.

Hardik Patel has also been a member of the Aam Aadmi Party at one time, but claims the only party he belongs to are the Patidars.

Addressing their biggest rally yet in Ahmedabad in August, Hardik Patel had issued an open threat to the state government:

Won’t allow the Lotus to bloom in Gujarat in 2017, if our demands are not met.

(With inputs from NDTV)