BJP president Amit Shah on Tuesday came out in support of yoga guru Baba Ramdev for his remarks on the row over Bharat Mata Ki Jai, even as Parliamentary Affairs Minister Venkaiah Naidu said the government’s position is that it is not mandatory.
“Baba Ramdev is not a member of the BJP. However, I want to know from those who talk of free speech, does it not apply to Baba Ramdev,” Mr. Shah asked in an interview to a private TV channel.
Venkaiah differs
However, distancing the government from the controversial statements by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Baba Ramdev over the slogan, Mr. Naidu said the views expressed by them do not reflect the government’s position. “In a democracy, people will say so many things. At the end, what the government decides is binding on all,” Mr. Naidu said at an interaction with the Indian Women Press Corps.
Two days ago, Mr. Fadnavis said those who do not chant the slogan should leave India, while Baba Ramdev said he would have “beheaded lakhs” for the same, but for the law of the land.
