Indian And South African Teams Arrive in Rajkot Amidst Hardik Patel's Protest Calls
Hardik Patel said that members of his community will raise slogans against the BJP government during the third ODI in Rajkot on October 18.
Indian and South African cricket teams arrived here for the third One Day International amidst a protest call given by Hardik Patel, who is demanding quota for the Patel community. (Axar Patel's surprise inclusion in the second ODI linked to Hardik Patel's Special Status Demand)
Hardik has said that members of his community will raise slogans against the BJP government during the match to be played at the Saurashtra Cricket Association (SCA) stadium on October 18. (Hardik Patel's Protest Leaves Rajkot Bosses in a Spin)
"Both the teams arrived here at around 4pm in a chartered flight from Indore for the third ODI on October 18," SCA media manager Himanshu Shah said.
The ODI will prove to be a litmus test for both the SCA and police as Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel is likely to remain present for the post match ceremony.
The 22-year-old Hardik has declared that his supporters will remain present in large number for the match to raise demand for the reservation under OBC category.
Despite SCA honorary secretary Niranjan Shah urging Hardik to refrain from the agitation during the match, the Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) has maintained that they will continue with their planned protest.
"This is a sport activity and thus this is not a proper platform for agitation for such demand," Shah had said.
Former Ranji players have also appealed Hardik not to agitate during the Rajkot ODI.
As Anandiben Patel is likely to remain present, the police has stepped up security.
State DGP P C Thakur too had visited Rajkot last week to take stock of security arrangements.
"We have made adequate security arrangement for the One-day match and the department will deal with any untoward incident," Rajkot-rural SP Gagandeep Gambhir said.
District Collector Manisha Chandra has also held meetings with the officials of the district authority and the SCA to ensure smooth conduct of the game.