Hardik Patel's health deteriorates as fast over quota, farm loan waiver enters 17th day

Hardik Patel’s indefinite fast over demands of reservation for the Patidar community and farm loan waiver entered the 17^th day on Monday even as the ruling BJP government didn’t make any efforts to hold talks with him.

The charismatic Patidar leader returned to his house and continued the hunger strike after spending two days at the hospital. He was admitted to the hospital after his health deteriorated on Friday.

Patel has now started taking liquids and was administered glucose at the hospital. He, however, claimed that he has not taken any solid food since last 17 days.

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Meanwhile, Dalit leader Jignesh Mevani extended his support to Patel and demanded the BJP government in Gujarat to shed its ego and talk to him.

“The government should put aside its ego and hold talks with Hardik on the issue of farm loan waiver. I urged Hardik to explore other means of agitation if the government does not pay heed. But Hardik is firm on continuing the fast,” Mevani said during his visit to Patel’s house.

Patel urged his supporters who were also fasting to show solidarity with him to end their hunger strike.

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“People are observing fast at 4,670 villages across the state in my support. I urge these youths to end their fast. I am confident that people are now awakened about the issues of reservation and farm loan waiver. This is the beginning of a mass revolution,” he said in a statement.

(With inputs from agencies)