Over half a million protestors participated in the rally organized by the 22-year-old Hardik Patel demanding reservation for government jobs and education for the economically and politically very powerful community Patel.
In solidarity with him there were many protests across Gujarat state as a result of which educational institutions is closed. The violence was widespread after the arrest of the spearhead Hardik for organizing rally without knowledge of police.
According to officials, curfew has been clamped in Kapodara and Sarthana areas of Surat, supporting the rally, they have lighted up busses and other vehicles.
The Union home minister Rajnath Singh spoke with Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister of Gujarat and center also rushed additional forces to control the crowd.
After his release from the police, he announced peace in the state, Hardik, convener of Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti which is spearheading the agitation said, "I make an appeal to maintain peace and keep calm. I give a call for Gujarat bandh tomorrow, this decision has been taken by Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti considering widespread violence in the state.”
Hardik in addressing a gathering of Patel community members stated that he along with his three aides will continue with his hunger strike until Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel comes to receive their memorandum of demands. State authorities have already ruled out granting the Patidars' request, but their campaign has gathered pace in recent weeks.
