Yoga guru turned anti corruption crusader Baba Ramdev will enter day two of his three-day symbolic fast against black money and corruption. The Ramlila Maidan saw as many as 15,000 people turn up in support of Ramdev, and expectations are that the crowds will only increase today and tomorrow.
Returning to Ramlila Maidan in the heart of the capital from where he was bundled out in the middle of night in June last year after a police crackdown, the yoga guru claimed his agitation was neither against any individual nor targeted at any political party.
Reuters
Taking his supporters by surprise, Ramdev announced he would go on a fast for three days over demands that also include an independent CBI. ”We will go without food and water for three days. After that, we think about our future strategy,” he told his supporters.
Offering to talk to the government on the issues, Ramdev also demanded a change in the process of appointing Election Commissioners, CAG, CVC and CBI Director. He also shed some light on his association with the erstwhile team led by Anna Hazare, saying he was supportive of the agenda being pursued by the social activist but was not part of the team.
“The fight for Lokpal has not ended but we will take it forward. All corrupt people have to be punished,” he said and demanded that a strong Lokpal Bill be passed in the ongoing monsoon session of Parliament.
Ramdev’s comments assume significance as they come days after Hazare called off his fast and disbanded his team which has decided to take a political plunge. “We are not against any individual or party. Our intention is to make India a great nation. This is not to overthrow someone from power,” he said.
With inputs from PTI
