Cracks seem to have appeared in the friendship between Hardik Patel and Alpesh Thakor, with the PAAS convener accusing the OBC leader of playing politics and being in connivance with the government while leading a public agitation. He cited the example of milk and curd while talking about the contradiction in Alpesh’s intentions.
“Alpesh Thakor is playing politics with his feet in both milk and curd. Many people had gone for the rally in Himmatnagar, but why was a case lodged just against PAAS convener Ravi Patel,” Hardik asked.
Remarking that there can be no politics by fooling the public and staying with the government, he said, “Agitations should be fought like a man against the atrocities of the government, not to become a leader. Why have cases been registered against leaders who have supported Alpesh?”
Hardik rued the fact that Patidars have not got anything despite a two-year agitation. “Jignesh Mevani had undertaken agitation to help Dalits get possession of land allotted by government. But nothing happened in that case either. Sanand farmers were lathicharged on their way to Gandhinagar to make a representation of their issues. On the other hand, Alpesh Thakor started an agitation for liquor prohibition and employment. Government officials arranged for a plot for his public gathering,” said Hardik. He added that Alpesh organised a programme to lock the Tata Nano plant in Sanand over employment issue. “He has organised a number of demonstrations and protests, but neither government nor police have acted against him. In fact, the government brought in stricter prohibition laws and also announced employment opportunities for the youth.”
Hardik’s comments give credence to the already buzzing rumour mills about Alpesh’s agitation being BJP-promoted and government trying to get OBC votes through him
