The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Wednesday came out strongly in support of the ongoing agitation for reservation by the Patidar community in Gujarat.
VHP president Pravin Togadia warned that if the government does not heed to the Patels' demands for inclusion in OBC category, it would be difficult for the ministers to be seen outside their homes, reported UNI.
"The government should take serious note of the huge crowds in all Patel rallies held in Ahmedabad and other towns of the state," he cautioned.
This is for the first time that the VHP has openly supported the Patel agitation.
Earlier, he had rejected reports claiming he was close to Hardik Patel--the 22-year-old Patidar community leader heading the quota stir--and that he had blamed the BJP government in Gujarat for the large-scale violence.
"Ever since Gujarat has been rocked by violence, I have only appealed for peace and never targeted any political party. Such news items are being planted by those who wish to defame me," PTI quoted Togadia earlier as saying.
"I have sought legal opinion and my lawyer is sending notices to deter people hostile towards me from spreading such falsehood in mainstream media as well as social media," he added.
Earlier this month, Togadia had sparked a controversy through his remark that Muslims should not be allowed to have more than two children.
