File Photo of Hardik Patel, Convener of the Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti
Ahead of the Patel community's rally in Ahmedabad on August 25 to seek reservation under OBC quota, the Gujarat Government has invited the community leaders, including Hardik Patel who is spearheading the agitation, for a meeting which is likely to be held today.
"We today invited Patel leaders including Hardik Patel (convener of the Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti) to hold talks with us," Gujarat government spokesperson and Health Minister Nitin Patel told PTI.
When asked about response from the Patel leaders, the minister said, "they (Patel leaders) told us over telephone that they will decide about the meeting by tonight and will let us know. The meeting is likely to be held tomorrow."
Mr Patel is heading the seven-member ministerial panel set up by government to negotiate with the communities agitating for reservations.
Earlier in the day, the government sent a written invitation to the core committee members of Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti and its convener Hardik Patel for meeting.
Hardik had earlier said that he will not hold any talks with government at this juncture ahead of the rally in which around 25 lakh people are likely to participate.
Members of Patel community have been holding protests and organising rallies in various parts of the state demanding reservation in government jobs and education under OBC quota.