(NDTV)
As Rahul Gandhi makes an all-out attempt to convert the anger of Gujarat’s powerful Patel or Patidar voters against the ruling BJP into support for the Congress, the state government today invited Hardik Patel and other leaders of the community for talks in Gandhinagar. Hardik Patel, 24, described the meeting as cordial but said the Patel agitation would continue as their main demand for reservation in government jobs and colleges was not discussed.
Several of his other key demands have however been met today. Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel, who fronted for the government, has agreed to set up an inquiry panel to investigate complaints of police excesses during the Patel agitation. The government has also agreed to withdraw cases against young Patel activists and to give compensation for the families of those who died in police action.The Gujarat government has also said it will set up a commission to look into welfare measures without reservation for Patels in jobs and education. Formal announcements will be made after the state cabinet approves the decisions tomorrow.
