Hardik Patel faces charges over 2018 Patidar protest

India Nov 19, 2025

Hardik Patel, now a BJP MLA, has been officially charged along with six others for their role in the 2018 Patidar quota agitation in Ahmedabad.
The case is about a symbolic fast held without police permission, leading to charges like unlawful assembly, rioting, use of criminal force against a public servant, and criminal conspiracy.
The next court date is set for November 21.

Legal twists and political journey

Patel's legal path has been rocky—he faced a non-bailable warrant for missing hearings (later quashed by the High Court), and his requests to drop the case have been denied so far.
Once a key face of the Patidar movement demanding OBC reservation, he joined BJP and now represents Viramgam in the Gujarat Assembly.