Why Hardik Patel broke Narendra Modi's Sound of Silence

Since Narendra Modi took office, he has been quiet about the various controversies surrounding the NDA government. He was extremely silent about Vyapam, refusing to even utter a word as the opposition demanded the resignation of Shivraj Singh Chouhan. He also refused to comment on the Lalitgate episode. So stoic was his silence that it led Congress president Sonia Gandhi to say, "The 'mann ki baat' man appears to retreat into a 'maun vrat' whenever his colleagues are involved in scams."

However, a day after violence exploded in his home-state of Gujarat, the PM made it his business to tell the people of his state to remain calm. Talking in his native Gujarati, Modi said: “I appeal to all brothers and sisters of Gujarat that they should not resort to violence. The only ‘mantra’ must be ‘shanti’ (peace).” He added that the government was committed to the welfare of the people and that all issues can be resolved through discussions. “Violence has never done good for anyone. All issues can be resolved peacefully through talks,” he said.

So what exactly did Hardik Patel do to make Narendra Modi speak up? What does he have that opponents like Arvind Kejriwal and Rahul Gandhi lack? For starters, this is a problem back home. A Patel uprising is something that Modi really doesn't want in Gujarat. Not only will this undermine the Gujarat model, but it would be really shocking considering the support he has enjoyed from the community. His quick address was a reminder to the people that he is still their mentor and that people should trust him and his trusted lieutenant Anandiben. (Read: Hardik Patel is new Narendra Modi-like crowd-puller: Shiv Sena)

Hardik Patel in some ways is reminiscent of a young Narendra Modi or an Arvind Kejriwal, a powerful speaker who can rustle up popular sentiments. He 'warned' the BJP government of consequences in the 2017 Assembly Elections if the demands of his community weren't met. "If this government does not heed our demands, the lotus will not bloom in 2017," said Patel, addressing a nearly three lakh-strong crowd of the influential community. He has also threatened to go on a hunger strike if the community's demands aren't met. However, his movement seems more like Anna Hazare, without any reason or rhyme. His demands are very "My Way or the Highway", similar to Anna's demand for the Lok Pal bill. 

Patel's political stand is just as unclear. Various sources have placed him close to Congress while others have claimed he is close to the BJP as pictures showed him with BJP's Purshottam Rupala and Rajnikant Patel. He's also been seen with VHP leader Pravin Togadia and in 2014, he had supported the AAP. However, the pictures which allegedly showed him hobnobbing with the Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal are clearly not him. 

Pan-India Patel?

Interestingly, while Narendra Modi chose to address the people in Gujarati, Hardik Patel spoke in Hindi, clearly reaching out the people of the country. He is obviously targeting Patels outside Gujarat as well. "Our agitation will end the day the government will indicate that it is willing to give us reservation. "If you do not give our right, we will snatch it. Whoever will talk of the interest of Patels will rule over Patels," Hardik told a gathering in Ahmedabad.

Why the BJP needs the Patels

The last time the Patel community protested was when they were against caste-based reservation during the 80s, when Congress was in power in Gujarat. Since then, the Patels have been in general, voting for the BJP and some of the top leaders in the current state government are Patels, including the Chief Minister and the Home Minister. Narendra Modi's quick reaction was a reminder to the Patels that he's still their leader and that they shouldn't lose hope. More importantly, they shouldn't become disillusioned with the BJP. With the 2017 Assembly Elections in Gujarat coming up, that would be catastrophic. 

Also Read: All you need to know about Hardik Patel, the man behind the Patel OBC quota protest in Gujarat