Lord Ram spent 14 yrs in exile… I am going away for 6 months: Hardik Patel

Hardik Patel being welcomed by his family members in Viramgam on Saturday. (Express Photo by Javed Raja)

Architect of Patidar quota agitation Hardik Patel on Saturday received a hero’s welcome when he reached his home town Viramgam after 13 months.

Wearing a blue jeans and a crisp white shirt, Hardik, who was atop an SUV, was all smiles as supporters, friends and family members threw rose petals on him. His visit to home was momentous considering that the 22-year-old was a few days shy of his birthday on July 20.

The Patidar leader would leave for Udaipur on Sunday, following a bail condition barring him from entering Gujarat for six months.

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“If I continue to get everyone’s support, then nothing can stop the change that will sweep the nation. The change begins from home. Even Lord Ram spent 14 years in exile… I am only going away for 6 months. I will decide the future course of action later as things are yet to be chalked out,” a buoyant Hardik told reporters in the courtyard of his house before heading to Sarangpur Hanuman temple at Botad.

Hardik spent only 20-minute with his family, and also prayed to family deity Umiya Mata at the shrine in his house before embarking on further journey spanning Ahmedabad and Saurashtra.

Located at Jhalawadi Kadva Patidar Society, Hardik’s residence was thronged by his relatives, friends and supporters. Around 60 Kadva Patel families residing in the society spruced up the area and arranged for water, light snacks and tea for visitors.

Led by Hardik’s sister Monica, his female relatives, all dressed out in traditional finery, sang songs and also performed garba before his arrival.

A few of them carried a traditional kalash (a sign of welcome) on their heads, danced and chanted “Jay Sardar, Jay Patidar” moments before Hardik entered home.

“We could not eat in peace all these days knowing that Hardik was in jail. We didn’t know how he was doing and what he was getting to eat. Today my joy knows no bounds even if my son is coming home for a short time,” said Ushaben, Hardik’s mother who had prepared several of her son’s favourite snacks like Dhokla and Thepla.

As father Bharat greeted a bevy of relatives, Monica told reporters that Hardik returning home was the best Rakshabandhan gift that she could hope from her brother. She also said Hardik might get engaged soon.

As Hardik’s grandfather Narsinhbhai Pate looked on, his uncle J N Patel said, “Hardik has united all Kadva and Leuva Patels. Now there is no more divide, we all are one. Earlier, everyone wanted a Bhagat Singh to be born in the neighbour’s house, but now all mothers-to-be want their sons to become Hardik. We are proud of him for what he has done for the community.”

Pointing at a submersible pump visible in the courtyard, he added, “That is Hardik’s father (Bharat)’s only source of income as he runs a small business of fixing submersible pumps in underground water wells. Hardik’s grandfather owns only 6 bigha (3.5 acre) of land and both Bharat and Hardik have no farm land in their names. People think that Patidars have land and they are rich.”

On Sunday morning, Hardik is expected to visit his native village Chandranagar near Viramgam before embarking on several roadshows scheduled in north Gujarat. He will then leave for Rajasthan.