Hardik says Anandiben resigned because of Patel, Dalit stir

“If Anandiben Patel really wanted to make way for youth in politics, she should have done that when she was 50 instead of waiting till the time she turned 75.”

This is what Hardik Patel, leader of the Patidar movement in Gujarat, had to say about Anandiben Patel’s sudden decision to resign as chief minister of Gujarat. Speaking to HT over phone from Udaipur, Hardik alleged that the resignation is a direct result of the Patidar movement of 2015.

“The movement had shaken the BJP in Gujarat to the core and this is a direct result of it. The recent Dalit movement was also instrumental in making the Gujarat government lose credibility and force Anandiben to resign,” said Hardik.

Hardik also alleged that the current Gujarat government is neck-deep in corruption. “I would say that apart from the Patel and the Dalit agitations, another reason for her resignation is the widespread corruption that the government is indulging in,” said Hardik.

But Hardik was tight-lipped about expressing his opinion about possible CM candidates. “Only time will tell what will happen in Gujarat but we will call ourselves victorious only when all our demands for reservation are fulfilled,” he said.