PAAS leader Hardik Patel on Tuesday said Gujaratis were believed to be very clever but they have not been for last 22 years, adding that Patel agitation leaders had not sought tickets from any political party or wished to contest polls. Hardik Patel's statement comes in the wake of an agreement by the Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) with the Congress on reservations for the Patels. Speaking at a public rally at Tragad village near Dholka town, an hour's drive from Ahmedabad, Hardik Patel again did not speak on extending direct support to the Congress in the December assembly elections that would have been music to Congress ears.

This picture taken on November 18, 2017 shows Hardik Patel (C), leader of Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS), addressing a gathering with his supporters during 'Adhikar Sammelan' at Mansa, some 50 km from Ahmedabad. Pic/AFP