…..None ,is
the answer, it seems so. Though Hardik + laljibhai & company are pushing
their "Anamat"(reservation)activities across Gujarat nothing significant is happening amongst Patidars.
The “Anamat” stir loosing sheen as it’s outspoken, childish leaders have made
tremendous blunders & lost control over the Patidar mass. Majority Patidars
must be feeling cheated after 25th August & now they may remain
aloof from this political drama.
In fact
Patidars being highly influential citizens of Gujarat, have been enjoying
political, economical & social advantage since long. They got political
patronage especially after departure of two congress chief ministers, Madhavsinh
Solanki & Amarsinh Chaudhari. In Gujarat Patidar’s political fortunes took
big turn when BJP started wooing them rigorously.
In last twenty years Patidars have seen astounding growth in almost all walks
of public life. Initially they entered in various markets as novice &
slowly they controlled & ultimately dominated it. Undoubtedly they have
worked hard to achieve this status. Take examples of four important industries of Gujarat. Diamond,
Pharmaceuticals ,Engineering & construction, these all are dominated by Patidars.
“Unity For
The Community” is the motto of Patidars. Whenever there is a call of community,
all Patidars get together in no time, whether it is a social work or a
religious gathering. But unfortunately this show of Patidar’s strength has
become a “political weakness” for them. Recent reservation stir was the best
example. The way Hardik Patel stole the show from Sardar Patel Group, it clearly
indicated rift amongst Patidars on this issue.
Interestingly
being influential community Patidars strength has been used by all political
& social institutes. There is no doubt about Patidar’s immense contribution
in Gujarat’s growth story. It’s apparent that former Chief Minister
Narendrabhai Modi successfully used this community’s political strength to oil the growth engine of
Gujarat.
It seems on
political front that same Patidar community is losing the game, after 25th
August mega show of might it has created a buzz & sense of fear not only
amongst OBC’s(including SC/ST) but other “general category” communities. Things
are heading towards class conflict in
near future as OBC’s & SC/ST communities are also getting ready with sleeves
up & there lies subtle political message for Patidars.
From
political point of view Patidars are always over estimated in Gujarat. This may
sound rude but it’s a “political fact”. Though Patidars are mighty ones but
they are not the only one. Other communities like Jains(Baniya), Rajputs, Lohanas,
Brahmins & many more too have their share in the “political pie’ &
these communities enjoy it smartly, silently.
They also outcast Patidars when they get aggressive, especially in local
elections.
An
interesting example in support of my above analysis. In 2012 assembly elections Gujarat has seen this
miraculous scenario. Gujarat’s most Patidar dominated area Saurashtra became
laboratory for this experiment. During Saurashtra’s voting phase BJP’s ousted Netas
& some congress leaders successfully mobilized Patidars in first two hours
of voting in rural areas, the way Patidars voted, before afternoon BJP got alarming signal
& they too mobilized their committed non Patidar+ Patidar voters to polling
booths. Saurashtra phase was the highest voting turnout in 2012 &
extremely fruitful for BJP.
There are
four main reasons in present scenario which could go against Patidars in future
elections in Gujarat. First, unrest created by Patidar’s mega show has given a golden chance to other
communities to fulfill their political dreams & it may help political
parties(read BJP) to regain it’s strength. Second, Anandiben’s Sarkaar will
definitely take political advantage of rift amongst Patidars on this issue
& in “Non Patel” or less Patel dominated constituency it may strengthen its
base.
Third, as we
all know congress is almost dead in Gujarat & ghosts of its political
follies are hounding it’s Netas. Even it’s Patidar leaders have lost relevance
in present context, so they are unable to take electoral advantage in next few
elections. Fourth, some timely measures(or say damage control) by Anandiben’s
Sarkaar may change the scenario. Full fledge scholarship for students,
economical support for youth, job opportunities in various government sectors
or all inclusive full fledge package for all “general category” communities can
turn the table. Even some pro congress Patidars may also accept this solution
whole heartedly & avoid confrontation with popular government. It would be
an easier task for government as it has no other political threats as of now,
but it will solely depend on government’s political will to execute it. If
Anandiben uses it cleverly she would be able to silence her enemies (within)
& outside her party, winning elections will be the cherry on ice cream for
her.
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