Kadi: A statement by R.P. Patel during the closing ceremony of a night cricket tournament organized by Shri Kadwa Patidar 42 Samaj Ekta Vikas Manch in Kadi has triggered widespread discussion.

The tournament, held at Sardar Patel Cotton Market Yard on the Kadi–Chhatral Highway, saw participation from 29 teams. The final was played between Saij XI and Kadi Mahadev XI, with Big Eleven clinching the title.

Addressing the gathering as chief guest, R.P. Patel urged people to have “at least three children” –  for the sake of family, religion and nation. He expressed concern over changing family structures and declining family sizes, stating that modern families often have only one child, which, according to him, could create uncertainty for the future of the family if the child settles abroad or faces health-related issues.

મહેસાણા-કડીમાં વિશ્વ ઉમિયા ફાઉન્ડેશનના પ્રમુખ આર.પી. પટેલનું મોટું નિવેદન

'દરેકે ત્રણ બાળક પેદા કરવા જોઈએ' – આર.પી. પટેલ

'એક બાળક પરિવાર માટે, એક ધર્મ માટે અને એક રાષ્ટ્ર માટે હોવું જોઈએ'

માત્ર એક સંતાન હોવા પર ચિંતા વ્યક્ત કરી સામાજિક સુરક્ષા પર મૂક્યો ભાર

'એક જ દીકરો હોય… pic.twitter.com/ILmrtErKza

— Dixit Soni (@DixitGujarat) May 15, 2026

Patel said society should encourage larger families and called for greater emphasis on the issue. The event was attended by former MLA Arvindbhai Patel, Kadi MLA Rajendra Chavda and several local leaders.

Following the remarks, the statement has become a talking point in the region, sparking conversations and differing opinions within the community. DeshGujarat