With Hardik Patel calling off his fast, all attention will now shift to the talks between state government and various Patidar organisations on demands raised by Hardik. Hardik, who was fasting from August 25 to press for Patidar quota, farm loan waiver, and release of PAAS leader Alpesh Kathiria from jail, called off his 19-day-long fast this afternoon. He broke his fast in the presence of leaders of Khodaldham Trust, Umiya Mata Sansthan Unjha, Sidsar Dham, Samast Patidar Samaj, Sardar Dham, and Vishw Umiya Foundation, a rare show of unity between the six influential organisations. “All Patidar organisations will work together to resolve the issues Hardik has raised. Each will name four members to hold talks with the state government,” Prahladbhai Patel, Chairman of Umiya Mata Sansthan, said. Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel welcomed Hardik’s decision to call off the strike. “Hardik has called off the fast on his own. Though delayed, it is a good step. The state government welcomes the decision,” he said, adding that the government was committed to welfare of all communities, including Patidars. Hardik ended his fast after the organisations expressed concern about his deteriorating health. “Community leaders and organisations told me that we can fight only if we live, and we will only win if we fight. This is why I have called off my fast,” Hardik said. In response to a question about what the fast had achieved, he said, “Hardik’s fast has awakened the 1.5 crore Patidars and 4 crore farmers of Gujarat. People have started questioning the government, and that is his success.”

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