"Can a 23-year-old youth not have girlfriends?", is Hardik Patel's indignant response after an alleged sex video made appearance, which shows the Patidar leader in the supposed company of a woman.
In an interview with the Indian Express after his rally in Bharuch, Patel says that the BJP has created a fake video of the 23-year-old to 'character-assassinate' him.
'It is BJP vs Hardik'
On Legal Action
Stating that he has lost all faith in the legal system in a state administered by the BJP, Patel told the Indian Express that he does not see the point in taking the legal course of action.
On His Electoral Role
23-year-old Patel is underage to contest the polls, but that does not mean he doesn't have an agenda. Denying that he is a 'kingmaker', he calls himself an 'agent of the people'.
I have an agenda. But it is the agenda of the people facing injustice… It is a long fight.Hardik Patel to the Indian Express
As for the situation after two years, he says that he will give politics a thought depending on the time.
On Discussion with Congress Over Reservation
Questioned on the level of talks on the reservation issue with Congress, Patel said that although they have accepted the 'Congress formula', they are yet to seal the deal.
Who will the Patidars Vote For?
Traditionally BJP voters, Patel says that during the 2015 Panchayat elections, many Patidars did not vote for the BJP. And while Patel was in jail at that time, this time he is rallying hard and fast against the BJP.
On Family Support
Earlier in 2017, Patel's parents announced his engagement to a girl named Kinjal. When questioned on her reaction to the alleged sex CD, Patel said,
As for her reaction, she is stronger than I.
Patel also said that his parents have supported him through these trying times.
Of course they support me. Why else do people have children?
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