Surat: The release of Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) leader Alpesh Kathiria from Lajpore Central Jail on Sunday set off a clamour for a change of guard in the outfit when the outfit’s convener Hardik Patel himself hinted that Kathiria could be the next prominent face of quota agitation.Kathiria who was arrested in the 2005 sedition case recently and granted bail was accorded a hero’s welcome by hundreds of Patidar youths who gathered outside the jail and later organized rally in the city.When asked about Kathiria helming the quota movement, Hardik told reporters, “The movement will continue under whichever leader that people accept. Alpesh is our main face and under his leadership and planning, we will continue the movement. Once a person’s image is tarnished, another face replaces him. But it is important that our agitation continues.”PAAS carried out its ‘Sankalp Yatra’ from Udhna Darwaja on Ring road that later reached Ring Road from Lal Darwaja when a large group of supporters joined.In his address to the supporters, Hardik said, “I thank all Surtis for their support and we should fight with unity. We will fight for reservation quota under the leadership of Alpesh and we are united for causes of the community.”Hardik participated in the rally up to Sardar Patel statue in Mangadh Chowk of Varachha, it was Alpesh who garlanded the statue. Rumour mills got active during the rally itself as chatters of differences among Hardik and Alpesh were set off. Hardik suddenly got down from the van in which he was with Alpesh since beginning. and rejoined at Hira Baug. Sources close to the development said Hardik was upset due to some reason and was nowhere seen in the evening.“We are close to getting justice after our long movement. Alpesh was in jail for few months and now we are happy that he is out,” said Dharmik Malaviya, local convener of PAAS.Alpesh’s supporters flashed posters reading ‘Gabbar is Back’. Alpesh, who is described by Gabbar by his supporters, has studied law and enrolled in the bar council to practice. His father Ghanshyam was a diamond polisher.

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