Fifty-one Patidars, including Hardik, had got their heads shaved in Botad on May 21.The authenticity of the video clips is, however, yet to be verified. Faced with growing criticism, Hardik blamed BJP for infringing on his privacy and threatened legal action. " Gujarat Congress chief Bharatsinh Solanki , accusing the BJP of playing dirty politics, said, "Character assassination is an old tactic used by BJP. "Gujarat Congress poll in-charge Ashok Gehlot added, "Hardik had warned that BJP would try to malign his image. "Purvin Patel, spokesperson of another Patidar group, Sardar Patel Group (SPG), emphasised that the video clips would have no impact on the quota agitation.

Source: Times of India November 14, 2017 22:36 UTC