Hardik begins indefinite fast

Hardik Patel, the 22-year-old leader of Patel quota stir in Gujarat, on Thursday began a flash indefinite fast in the Lajpore jail, seeking reservations for the community. 

His fast comes a day after other Patel leaders announced their intent to reach a solution with the state government amicably.

According to reports coming in, Hardik had in a letter to jail superintendent of Lajpore jail announced his intent to go on an indefinite fast from February 20. 

However, he gave up food and water from Thursday itself, reiterating his demand for reservations for Patels and release of Patel agitators from various jails in the state.

 Hardik has been behind bars in Lajpore jail under several charges, including sedition.

“We have isolated him in the jail and got his medical tests done. So far he is normal.

 We also informed him that it is illegal to go on the fast in jail but he refused to accept the letter in this regard. We shall take further action based on reports from medical officers,” S L Dusa, jailor at Lajpore jail, said.