The Mehsana district administration has denied permission to the Sardar Patel Group, one of the two front organisations spearheading the Patel quota stir in Gujarat since July last, to organise jail bharo campaign on Sunday.
The SPG had announced the programme of jail bharo to demand the release of jailed Patel quota stir leaders and withdrawal of agitation related cases. Several Patel community leaders and supporters are expected to gather in Mehsana, the epicenter for Patel quota stir in the state, on Sunday to join the programme.
The Mehsana district administration has dubbed the event as “anti-national”.
“They had given an application for permission on April 11 to the mamlatdar (government official). On seeking clarification, they (SPG) said that they also plan to hold a meeting and a rally before forcibly surrendering to go to jail. This is illegal and in a sense anti-national. We cannot allow anyone seeking to enter jail forcibly,” Mehsana Collector Lochan Sehra said.
He also said the administration will take action against those trying to go against their orders. Meanwhile, SPG spokesperson Purvin Patel said the campaign was restricted to Mehsana and would be held despite not getting official nod.
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