Gujarat elections: Congress-Patidars agree on quotas, clash over seat-sharing
In a dramatic turn of events, after weeks of uncertainty, Hardik Patel-led Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) and Congress reached an agreement on quotas but disagreed on seat-sharing. Congress announced its first list of 77 candidates, which included two PAAS leaders. This led to clashes as PAAS said that Congress had ignored them in seat-sharing. How did the events unfold? Read on!
Patidars set a 24-hour deadline for the Congress
Last week, senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal provided three reservation options to Patidars. Later, Congress agreed to Hardik's reservation demand and also decided to field 7-8 candidates recommended by him. However, after a Congress-Patidar meet in Delhi got delayed, Patidars had set a 24-hour deadline for the Congress to accept Patidar demands or risk losing their support.
Congress-Patidars meet, reach an agreement on quotas
Subsequently, Congress and Patidar leaders held a crucial meeting. PAAS convener Dinesh Bambhania said "Congress has assured us a constitutionally tenable quota and an agreement has been reached over all major issues." Though he refused to give details about the "quota formula," he said it will be "exclusive from the existing reservation system for SC, ST and OBC."
Congress releases its first list of candidates
Later, Congress released its first list of 77 candidates. It mainly pertained to the constituencies in Saurashtra and South Gujarat. The party has retained most of its sitting MLAs in the first list. The list also included two PAAS leaders. Lalit Vasoya will contest from Dhoraji and Amit Thummar will clash with BJP in its stronghold, Junagadh.
Patidars attack Congress over seat-sharing
Though Patidars denied making any demand for seats, after the Congress' list was released, clashes erupted in Patel-dominated Varchcha Road seat in Surat. Bambhania contended, "Congress announced tickets to PAAS members without consulting our core committee." He threatened protests by attacking Congress offices. Reportedly, PAAS earlier reduced its demand of 7-9 seats after Hardik's sex-CDs fiasco and had reached an agreement of 5 seats.
What is the current scenario?
Today, Hardik was set to announce the alliance officially and make the quota formula public; this was to coincide with CM Vijay Rupani filing his nomination papers in Rajkot. However, considering Patidar anger over seat-sharing, whether Hardik continues with the announcement remains to be seen.
