Hardik Patel-Congress deal: Nitin Patel says 'fools' have accepted formula given by 'fools'

AHMEDABAD: Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel on Wednesday called convenor of Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS), Hardik Patel a 'fool', for accepting Congress' demand for reservation for the Patel community.

"Fools have given a formula and fools have accepted it," a fuming Nitin Patel said. "I have not seen a more foolish person than Hardik. He is young boy. He may have got some love from the community but they are going to perish soon," Patel said.

The Gujarat DY CM termed the Congress' promise of reservation over 50 percent cap a 'big joke'.

The Gujarat Deputy CM's reaction came after Hardik Patel pledged his support to the Congress for the Gujarat Assembly polls, in a major fillip to the party's bid to sew up a new caste combination to wrest the state from the BJP after being out of power for 22 years.

The BJP leader said that Patidar quota stir leader has not discussed about alliance with the Congress Party with the members of Patidar community.

"Hardik Patel is aware that over 50 percent reservation is not possible. In the name of reservation, Congress has given a `lollipop` to Hardik. He should not mislead the people," the Deputy chief Minister said.

The 24-year-old Patel, who was playing cat and mouse game with the Congress for the last few weeks, declared that his Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) will back the main opposition party after the latter accepted its demand for reservation for the Patel community.

Hardik, who is not eligible for contesting elections due to his young age, said the Congress also assured the PAAS that it would include its promise of reservation for the Patidars in the party manifesto.

The young quota agitation spearhead, who led violent protests in support of the demand that left several people dead in police action, said the promised quota would go beyond the 50 per cent cap set by the Supreme Court for the Scheduled Castes, Schedule Tribes and OBCs.