Opposition parties race to woo Hardik ahead of polls

The 22-year-old firebrand leader, who is demanding inclusion of the Patel community under the OBC quota, had walked out of jail on Friday after being granted bail by the Gujarat High Court.

To a question that day on his chances of joining active politics, he had not ruled out the possibility. 

“People of my community will decide if I have to join politics or not. I will take the decision when my community tells me. Otherwise, I don’t feel that we have to be in politics to do something for our nation and people,” he said. Following this, Congress, NCP and AAP made a beeline for Hardik’s inclusion in their parties — some openly inviting him while others did so by sending feelers. 

The move by the parties is seen as an attempt towards electoral benefit, keeping in mind state polls due next year. The Patidar community, to which Hardik belongs, is numerically strong in the state with 18 per cent population. It has so far been a staunch supporter of the ruling BJP. Though NCP is a small player in Gujarat, its president Jayant Patel was among the first to greet Hardik when he came out of the Lajpor jail in Surat. 

“The doors of our parties are open for Hardik Patel any day,” said MLA Patel, who is popularly known as ‘Bosky’. 

Surat Congress leaders had put up posters and were present to welcome Hardik when he came out of the jail. 

Also, AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal, during his recent visit to Gujarat, had endorsed Hardik.