Gujarat Patidar leader Hardik Patel married his childhood friend Kinjal Parikh in a private function at Digsar village of Muli taluka in Surendranagar district of Gujarat on Sunday, 27 January.
The 25-year-old convener of the Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) married Kinjal Parikh at a temple in Digsar village of Surendranagar district, around 130 kms from Ahmedabad, in the presence of close relatives and friends.
The wedding ceremony was a simple affair with only about 100 guests, Hindustan Times reported. The wedding took place as per the Patel rituals.
Patel’s engagement with Kinjal, who belongs to the Parikh-Patel community and is a graduate who is currently pursuing her law degree, was announced in 2016 when the Patidar leader was lodged in Lajpore jail for facing a sedition case against him.
"This is the beginning of the second innings of my family life. My resolution is that everyone should get equal opportunity. We have one pledged to fight together for the 'navnirman' (reconstruction) of the country,” Patel told reporters after the marriage ceremony.
“We will fight till the end of our breath for truth, for the people and for right to equality.”Hardik Patel, Patidar leader
Patel said he was in love with Kinjal Parikh and the marriage was arranged by their family members.
Both Patel and his wife are natives of Viramgam in Ahmedabad district though the newly married bride's family lives in Surat.
Her father, Dilip Parikh, who deals in real estate, told reporters the two families knew each other since the last three decades.
“We did not hesitate while deciding on the marriage.”Dilip Parikh
Patel is facing a sedition case in the state for which he had spent nearly six months in jail. The case was filed in connection with the quota agitation.
He spearheaded the Patidar community's state-wide agitation to demand reservation in government jobs and educational institutes.
Patel was let out on bail but on the condition that he will not enter Mehsana district.
His father Bharat Patel said the marriage ceremony was earlier planned at a temple in Mehsana but had to be cancelled.
(With inputs from PTI)
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