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Hardik tells Congress to clear Patidar quota stand by Nov 3 or face protests

Published

9 years ago

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File photo of Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti founder Hardik Patel. Photo credit: Agencies

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Hardik Patel reportedly wants Congress to publicly commit to ensuring 20 per cent reservation for economically backward classes if it is voted to power

Hardik Patel, the popular leader of the raging Patidar/Patel agitation in Gujarat, has put the Congress party in a piquant situation in the poll-bound state. On Saturday, Patel warned the party that if it didn’t clarify its stand on reservations for the community by November 3 then his supporters would unleash the same chaos at Congress rallies as they recently did at a public meeting of BJP national president Amit Shah in Surat.[/vc_column_text][vc_raw_html]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[/vc_raw_html][vc_column_text]Patel, who the Congress has been trying to convince to campaign for its candidates in the upcoming Gujarat Assembly polls in a bid to defeat the BJP which has stayed in power for 22 long years, had recently met Congress general secretary Ashok Gehlot in Ahmedabad, while he had also vehemently refuted rumours of a meeting with the party’s vice president Rahul Gandhi. However, Patel had conceded that he had placed his demands before Gehlot, a fact that the Congress general secretary also confirmed.

However, with Patel now setting a deadline of November 3 for the Congress to come clean on its stand over the demand of the state’s politically influential Patel/Patidar population, the grand old party will need to quickly take a decision on the prickly issue which could make or mar its political fortunes in the state.

So far, Patel had made it clear that while he won’t join the Congress party, he was open to campaigning for the party to ensure the defeat of the BJP, which he has accused of cheating the state’s over 12 per cent Patidar population which holds the key to victory in at least 60 of Gujarat’s 182 assembly constituencies.

Congress sources say Patel wants the party to give a majority chunk of its tickets – between 30 to 40 per cent – to candidates from the Patidar community. He also wants the Congress leadership, preferably Rahul Gandhi, to publicly declare that the party would ensure a 20 per cent reservation in government jobs for economically backward classes (a demand that is likely to mostly help Patidars if it is fulfilled) if it is voted to power riding on the support of his community.

Rahul Gandhi is set to address a series of public meetings across Gujarat between November 1 and 3. This leaves the party with less than a week to discuss the contentious demand with Congress leaders from Gujarat who represent other communities, which unlike the Patidars, have formed the Congress’ vote bank in the state at some or the other point in time in recent years. The Patidar community, however, has traditionally voted for the BJP in Gujarat and its support to the saffron party is seen as the reason for its 22-year-long stint in power in the state. It is only in the past two years that the Patidars, under the banner of Hardik Patel’s Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS), have revolted against the BJP over their demand for reservation based on economic backwardness.

Agreeing to Hardik’s demands, especially publicly, may not be an easy choice for the Congress as in doing so the party risks alienating backwards castes, Dalits and adivasis who currently enjoy benefits of reservation and could see such a commitment as one that impinges on their constitutionally mandated right.

Accepting Hardik’s demand could also turn into an electoral nightmare for the Congress as the party has only recently managed to bring popular OBC leader Alpesh Thakore within its fold and is assiduously pursing a similar plan with Jignesh Mewani, the activist who commands mass support among the state’s huge Dalit population. Neither Jignesh Mewani nor Alpesh Thakore is likely to agree to Hardik’s demand for a 20 per cent reservation for economically backward castes, although the duo have so far aligned with Hardik to attack the BJP.

In Gujarat, other backward classes (OBCs) comprise 146 castes and make up around 40 per cent of the state’s population. They have a 27 per cent quota in government jobs and education. The scheduled castes are entitled to a 7 per cent quota while the 15 per cent has been reserved for scheduled tribes. This makes a total of 49 per cent reserved seats in the state which is just under the 50 per cent reservation cap set by the Supreme Court.

How the Congress would manage to add another 20 per cent of reservations without curtailing the quotas allotted to OBCs, SCs and STs is a mystery. Last year, the BJP-ruled state government had given 10 per cent reservation for the poor among non-reserved castes – a move aimed at placating the Patidars – but the Gujarat high court had struck down the provision on the ground that it violated the Supreme Court’s cap of 50 per cent on reservations.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Siddaramaiah to step down as Karnataka Chief Minister, names DK Shivakumar as successor

In a major political development, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced his decision to step down, clearing the path for his deputy, DK Shivakumar, to assume leadership.

Published

14 hours ago

on

May 28, 2026

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Bringing the curtain down on a long-standing leadership dispute within the state ruling party, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced on Thursday morning that he will resign from his post. The significant announcement was made during a breakfast meeting hosted at his official residence, ‘Kaveri’, in Bengaluru, where senior cabinet ministers and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar were present.

Siddaramaiah informed his cabinet colleagues that he will formally tender his resignation at 3:00 PM. He further requested the ministers to extend their support to DK Shivakumar, declaring him as the next Chief Minister of the state.

A graceful transition of power

The breakfast meeting, which featured traditional Kannada dishes like masala dosa, idli, and kesaribath, served as a poignant farewell from the veteran leader who recently completed three years of his second term in office. Ministers present at the gathering described the atmosphere as emotional yet graceful. While some cabinet members broke down in tears following the announcement, Siddaramaiah remained poised, expressing his gratitude to the team for their cooperation during his tenure.

Ahead of the formal discussions, the two top leaders displayed a strong message of camaraderie and unity. Images released from the residence showed DK Shivakumar touching the Chief Minister’s feet to seek his blessings, followed by a warm embrace between the duo. Following the meeting, the state party unit shared these images on social media with a caption emphasizing that unity remains their core strength and public service their eternal commitment.

High command intervention ends long-standing dispute

The decision follows 48 hours of intense consultations in New Delhi with the party’s central leadership, including Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi. Media reports indicate that the party high command actively facilitated the transition, offering the outgoing Chief Minister a national role, which includes a Rajya Sabha seat.

As the Governor is currently out of the state on personal matters, Siddaramaiah is expected to hand over his resignation letter to the Governor’s secretary at Raj Bhavan. Following the formal acceptance of the resignation, a Legislature Party meeting will be convened to officially elect Shivakumar as the new leader before the scheduled swearing-in ceremony. Meanwhile, celebrations have already erupted outside Shivakumar’s residence, where supporters gathered to distribute sweets and chant slogans welcoming his upcoming elevation.

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Rain and thunderstorms to bring relief to Delhi NCR from intense heatwave

Delhi and NCR are set to get a break from the scorching summer heat as the IMD forecasts thunderstorms and light rain, bringing down the mercury significantly over the weekend.

Published

18 hours ago

on

May 28, 2026

By

Weather

The persistent heatwave gripping Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) is expected to ease down as changing weather conditions promise sudden relief. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a drop in temperatures alongside incoming thunderstorms and rain across the northern plains.

Thunderstorms and rain predicted for Delhi NCR

According to the weather department, Delhi’s maximum temperature is expected to settle around 43 degrees Celsius, while the minimum is likely to hover near 29 degrees Celsius. The afternoon and evening hours are expected to witness light to very light rainfall, accompanied by strong winds and squalls moving at speeds of 50-60 kmph.

A more drastic change in weather conditions is anticipated on May 29, when maximum temperatures could drop sharply to around 36 degrees Celsius, with minimums decreasing to about 26 degrees Celsius. The region is likely to witness thunderstorms, lightning, rain, and squalls with wind speeds ranging between 40-50 kmph. This cooler trend is predicted to continue through May 30 and 31, keeping the maximum temperatures locked around 35-36 degrees Celsius.

Scorching temperatures persist across northern and central India

Before the arrival of these rains, severe heatwave conditions continued to scorch several parts of the country. Media reports indicate that Banda in Uttar Pradesh recorded a maximum temperature of 47.8 degrees Celsius, followed closely by Prayagraj at 46.4 degrees Celsius and Jhansi at 46 degrees Celsius. The states of Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi also registered daytime temperatures ranging between 45 and 46 degrees Celsius.

In Rajasthan, cities like Pilani saw temperatures touch 47 degrees Celsius, while Sri Ganganagar recorded readings 5.5 degrees above normal. Meanwhile, Maharashtra’s Vidarbha region experienced marginal relief, though temperatures remained high around 45 to 46 degrees Celsius. In Nagpur, the intense heatwave conditions led to 11 suspected heatstroke deaths within a 24-hour period.

Southwest monsoon advancement and safety advisories

On a national level, the IMD stated that environmental conditions are turning favorable for the further advance of the southwest monsoon into parts of the Arabian Sea, Lakshadweep, and the Bay of Bengal. Since India relies heavily on the monsoon for its annual rainfall, farming, and drinking water, its timely progression remains critical.

Amidst these soaring temperatures, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged the public to take necessary precautions. In a statement shared on social media, he advised citizens to stay hydrated, carry water when stepping out, and offer assistance to those working under the sun to combat the harsh summer heat.

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Siddaramaiah not interested in taking Rajya Sabha post, say sources

Sources reveal that Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has turned down an offer for a Rajya Sabha seat, preferring to remain active as an MLA in state politics despite leadership transition talks by the Congress high command.

Published

18 hours ago

on

May 28, 2026

By

The political landscape in Karnataka is witnessing intense developments as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has reportedly expressed his unwillingness to accept a Rajya Sabha berth or transition into a national role in New Delhi. According to sources familiar with the discussions, the veteran leader prefers to remain active within state politics and continue his tenure as an MLA rather than shifting his focus to the national capital.

High command pushes for transition

This revelation comes on the heels of marathon high-level meetings convened by the Congress leadership in Delhi to address the ongoing leadership discussions in Karnataka. Insiders state that the party central leadership has backed Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to take over the top post, in line with internal understandings following the 2023 assembly elections.

To facilitate a smooth leadership transition in the state, the high command offered Siddaramaiah a parliamentary seat in the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections alongside a prominent national role. However, sources indicate that the Chief Minister has rejected this proposal and requested more time to deliberate on his next steps.

Official stance downplays leadership shift

Publicly, senior party leaders have sought to quell rumors regarding an immediate change of guard. Following a lengthy deliberation at the party headquarters, General Secretary K.C. Venugopal stated to the media that the discussions were exclusively centered around selecting candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha and Legislative Council seats in Karnataka. He dismissed reports of an imminent chief ministerial swap as mere speculation.

Siddaramaiah also echoed this sentiment when questioned by journalists, emphatically denying that any leadership changes were debated during the official meeting. Despite these denials, political circles remain abuzz, as the Chief Minister has reportedly met with cabinet ministers and loyalists to discuss the evolving situation before returning to Bengaluru.

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