Ramdev’s fast remotely controlled, Cong alleges

Baba Ramdev during his fast against corruption. Photo: Sandeep Saxena

Congress today targeted Baba Ramdev’s fast alleging it has been “remotely controlled or hijacked” by vested political interests with BJP and RSS and their several frontal organisations trying to destabilise the government through the campaign.

“It is most unfortunate that this common crusade against corruption is allowed to be remotely controlled or hijacked by vested political interests. The nation is aghast to see that BJP, RSS and their frontal organisations, which have repeatedly failed to get popular mandate, are trying to destabilise the government”, party spokesman Abhishek Singhvi told reporters here.

“By conceiving, controlling and coordinating the movement like the one at Ramlila Maidan, they are destabilising not only the government but the nation”, he said, in almost identical comments of party General Secretary Digvijay Singh who has been sharply critical of the yoga guru.

“What is Sadhvi Rithambara doing there? Sympathisers of RSS and BJP are at Ramlila Maidan and supporting this movement,” said Mr. Singhvi.

“We want to solve the problem but we don’t want any unreasonable and undemocratic steps to be taken,” Mr. Singhvi said when asked why the government was holding talks with Baba Ramdev.

Mr. Singhvi also attacked the “humongous” logistical arrangements at the Ramlila Maidan.

“Apart from private jets, there have been transportation arrangements and five-star facilities in the name of a fast. There is a mini-city within city. Who is financing these logistical operations?” he asked.

The nation “legitimately” wants to know what principles those who are revolting against black money and corruption are adhering to.

Mr. Sighvi emphasised that the UPA government has taken several measures to combat corruption and suggested that its works in this regard was “unparalleled”.