HT Poll | Is Hardik Patel using quota stir to enter politics?

Hardik Patel, who is leading the Patidar community's agitation for OBC reservation in Gujarat, has said that he won't allow any political parties to join his agitation. But questions are being asked if he is using the agitation to enter politics.

Hardik Patel, who is leading the Patidar community's agitation for OBC reservation in Gujarat, has said that he won't allow any political parties to join his agitation.

Hardik Patel, Convenor of Patidar Andolan Samiti speaks during a mega rally in Ahmadabad.(AP Photo)

The 22-year-old arrived in New Delhi on Sunday "to make future plan of action" and "not to meet any ministers".

“We are not here to meet any ministers. Political parties are not welcome in the agitation,” said Patel.

“We want to take our movement to every part of the nation and have come to Delhi to make future plan of action. We want the support of Jats and Gujjars.”

Patel has addressed over 100 rallies and meetings across Gujarat demanding caste reservations for the Patidar community. The Centre had rushed 5,000 paramilitary personnel to Gujarat after violence rocked the state earlier this week after Patel was briefly detained by the police. Authorities were forced to clamp curfew in several areas and close educational institutions.

The question is whether Hardik Patel using the agitation to gain a foothold in politics or he wants to concentrate only on the reservation movement.