Your services needed: Deve Gowda writes to Hardik Patel, asks him to end hunger strike
Hardik Patel
Hardik Patel's hunger strike entered the eleventh day on Tuesday. He has again been demanding reservations in jobs and education for his Patidar community and a loan waiver for farmers
Former prime minister Deve Gowda has written to Patidar leader Hardik Patel, asking him to end his hunger strike because his "services are needed" in the country.
Gowda added that he appreciated Hardik's "courage and concern in fighting aggressively" for his Patidar community. Hardik has been on hunger strike since August 25 he is demanding reservations in jobs and education for the Patidar community, and a loan waiver for farmers.
Gowda also wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying "I am very much pained with the development in Gujarat..."
"I learnt from the media reports that youth leader Hardik Patel's health condition is deteriorating by the day," he added.
Gowda, in his letter, also asked Gujarat Chief Minister "to take up the issue with the Centre and take steps to end fast of Hardik Patel".
Gowda also referred to Patel's will, saying it "is a matter of serious concern". Hardik released his will on Sunday — his hunger strike entered the eleventh day on Tuesday — in which he divided his property among his parents, his sister, and 14 youths who died during the 2015 Patidar quota agitation.
A Patidar spokesman added that Hardik had also left some money for a cow shelter, and that he wished to donate his eyes after death.