The Hardik Patel-led Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti on Friday rejected the government's announcement of 10% reservation in jobs and academic applications for the economically backward from all non-reserved castes, including Patidars, from May 1. The group termed the quota, which will be applicable to families earning less than Rs 6 lakh per annum, a "tactic to silence the Patel community", PTI reported. Spokesperson Dharmik Malaviya said the group did not accept the government's reservation and called it a "lollipop given by the state government".

However, another group that held protests demanding reservation, the Sardar Patel Group, welcomed the announcement and said they would assess how it helps their community.

The announcement follows a violent agitation earlier this month in Gujarat’s Mehsana town, staged by members of the Patel community (pictured above), seeking reservation and the release of their jailed leaders, including Hardik Patel. Protestors and police clashed after a rally demanding quota for the Patidars turned violent.