The state wide agitation by Patels which was joined by several other high castes to be included in the 'reservation quota' has become peaceful since the tragic events of Tuesday and Wednesday last week. This development is appreciated by all those concerned as well as by the people at large in Gujarat, India and abroad.
No doubt Hardik Patel and some of his colleagues have been making boisterous announcements in Delhi and other places. This is understandable and to a certain extend acceptable.
In the coolness of mind, I would like to dwell on few important issues:
1. Violence and vandalism from any quarter- from protesters and especially from the police is completely unacceptable.
It has been reported in several independent media- both print and electronic that the police behaviour was brutal and shameful especially when they attacked homes, cars and unarmed innocent individuals ruthlessly.
2. The government Gujarat ought to accept its full responsibility for this shameful behaviour of the police and other members of the security forces. Those in power must accept their full responsibilities and come clean.
There is a tendency of passing the buck about who ordered police to arrest Hardik Patel as well as who gave them permission or instruction to behave brutally and ruthlessly.
Ultimately the buck stops at the door of the Chief Minister of Gujarat Smt Anandiben Patel and finally at the desk of PM Narendra Modi.
Rule of law and order requires that those who are in power shall not use excessive force on protesters, who were initially peaceful and non violent.
Any soothing touch without owning one's own responsibility is not honourable and realistic in a democracy.
3. Patidar Anamat Andolan Samity (PAAS) has begun a consulting process among its leadership, beginning with Surat on Tuesday. This is both advisable and welcome. Those who claim to speak on behalf of the Patels and other so called high castes should ensure that however justifiable their demands may be, the best route is through peaceful and non violent process.
4. It must be remembered especially by the leadership and members of PAAS that the present limit of 49% in educational establishments and government jobs are part of the Indian constitution and the decision has been taken by the Supreme Court of India not to have any more additions whatsoever.
In the circumstances any demand for inclusion by any one or group of castes is not wise or realistic.
Instead of caste, economic and social deprivation bases for elevating age old discrimination and equal opportunities is however a desirable proposal which will require time and patience from all concerned.
Mass protest, ultimatums or verbal violence is not the best option.
Let me briefly suggest to all those who demand 'justice' what they can learn from the campaigns of Mahatma Gandhi, especially the one in Bardoli led by Sardar Patel. A proper dossier was prepared of the injustices about the hike of revenue on the peasants of Bardoli, especially in a drought stricken period. At the same time, Sardar Patel always kept a door open for negotiation and ultimately a sensible compromise was reached by the then Governor of Bombay Presidency, the Viceroy of India and India Office of the British government in London.
I took liberty to forward the As I See It column (AV page 8, 29 Aug) to the Gujarat Chief Minister, Leaders of three main groups of PAAS as well as to all main Patel organisations in UK on the following lines-
“The events in Ahmedabad and several other places in Gujarat since Tuesday 25th August must have raised concerns in the membership of your organisation, as well as you yourself as a leader. Like me, you are slightly relieved that the violence surrounding the protests have almost stopped.
The subject matter is complex and even complicated. Please read carefully the reports in this week's Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar, as well as my own views (which may, if I may say so, could have reflected your own sentiments to a certain extent) on page 8 under "As I see it".
Some TV channels and at least three Indian national dailies also have, after speaking or interviewing me, reported my responses, which are almost on the lines of my column, mentioned above.
If your organisation has issued any press statements or there are any written views from any of your members, please kindly forward them to me at the earliest.
I've been in touch with both the protestors and the government people in Gujarat, as well as have spoken to several individuals in USA, Canada, East Africa and elsewhere. Patels in Britain number about 200,000 (Hindu Patels only). We have close connections with our kith and kin on various levels. We are expected to understand them as well as express to them our views. I hope you will agree with me on this point.
A meeting of Patel Representatives is being planned most probably at 2pm on Sunday 13th September, at a suitable place. Please make a note in pencil in your diary right now. I will convey you further information as soon as possible. But in the meantime, kindly let your office bearers and members know about this meeting.
Prior to the above mentioned meeting, perhaps it would be appropriate to have our own meeting to plan adequately the agenda as well as a proposed resolution to be adopted at the main public meeting.
Finally I'm approaching you at the earliest opportunity to hear your views and advice. Please write to me, as well as phone me if necessary on my mobile.”
The response has been positive and a meeting of the representatives of the Patel of UK based organisations is planned between 2-5pm on Sunday 13 September. The venue is it yet to be finalised, though we have several organisations offering their centers.
I would request all Patel organisations, individual members of Patel to let me know latest by Monday 7 September, whether they wish to attend the public meeting. A suitable venue will be decided in consultation with concerned stake holders.
Finally, to a certain extend there is a problem faced by large number of youth from Patel and other castes in India, who are seeking jobs or further education. To that extend there is an element of youth looking for avenues for further progress. It can be a justifiable demand at the same time the end and means ought to have a certain meaningful consideration in a democratic set up.
I urge all readers as well as others to please convey their views at the earliest to me by email at [email protected] and make this exercise meaningful, constructive as much as possible.
Long live India, long live Great Britain.
- CB
