Ahmedabad:

With lukewarm response to his hyped fast-unto-death, so far Congress backed PAAS leader Hardik Patel has now issued ultimatum to Gujarat government to come to him for talks in next 24 hours else he would again give up water intake.

Hardik’s aide and self proclaimed sole spokesperson of PAAS during his fast, Majoj Panara told newsmen this evening.

He said that Hardik would give up water again if the government did not turn up for direct talks with him at his fast venue at his Greenwood resort residence in next 24 hours. The issues would be the loan-waiver of farmers in Gujarat, Patidar reservation and release of Alpesh Kathiria in sedition case. These are the 3 issues for which Hardik is on fast since August 25.

Notably Hardik had earlier given up water for two days on August 30 and 31 (sixth and seventh day of his fast) but had started taking it again from September one.

Panara alleged that the state government has not come forward to talk to Hardik even after passage of 12 days of his fast and was even trying to break his agitation.

He also hit out at Deputy CM Nitin Patel, Energy Minister Saurabh Patel and the leaders of Patidar organizations.

He said that the talk should be held at the fast venue and not in AC chambers of ministers.

Notably, Congress backing Hardik openly has written a letter to CM Vijay Rupani seeking time from him for taking up the issue. Party in-charge Rajiv Satav who met Hardik here today said that if the CM did not give time to the party, a state-wide protest in support of Hardik’s issues would be held.

DeshGujarat