Ramdev’s demands are ‘unrealistic’, says Omar

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. File photo

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said Baba Ramdev’s concerns about corruption and black money were legitimate, but his demands for ending the fast were “unrealistic”.

“Concerns about corruption and black money are legitimate concerns. I am not sure how going on a hunger strike is going to deliver immediate results,” Mr. Omar told reporters at the sidelines of a function here.

He said goals set by the Yoga Guru were not achievable in the short term.

“It is not like Government of India is going to snap its fingers and all the black money will come back... nor can the 500 and 1000 rupee notes be demonetised immediately. The death penalty (for corruption) is something I believe is unviable,” he said.

Omar said Baba Ramdev will have to wait for long time to end his fast as it was not possible to meet his conditions immediately.

“I am not sure how long Baba Ramdev plans to stay hungry since he has said he will end it only after his demands are met. It might be a pretty long wait for him,” he said.

He said it would be better that in the course of negotiations between the Government and the Yoga guru, some sort of time frame is worked out within which the government can resolve some of these issues.

In response to a question about the huge assets acquired by the yoga guru, Mr. Omar said “since Ramdev has gone on a hunger strike against black money I would assume that the donations and contributions have come legally. I have no reason to question the legitimacy of the asset base he (Ramdev) has,” he said.