Gujarat: Hardik Patel hospitalised as health worsens

Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) leader Hardik Patel was on Friday hospitalised as he complained of difficulty in breathing.

The 25-year-old was admitted to the Government Civil Hospital in Sola a day after he gave up water in protest against the government ignoring his demands.

He has lost over 20 kg in the past two weeks because of his indefinite fast, his kidney and liver had also been affected.

Hardik’s associates in the PAAS had served the Bhartiya Janata Party government (BJP) a 24-hour ultimatum on Wednesday to initiate talks with him over their demands.

PAAS spokesman said the ultimatum expired at 7 p.m. on Thursday and Hardik decided to stop consuming water.

On August 25, Hardik Patel had launched his fast for demands, including reservation for the Patidar community under OBC category in government jobs and education sector and to waive the loans of the state farmers.