Thousands gathers as Ramdev’s fast enters into second day
New Delhi : Thousands of supporters from across the country reached to Ramlila Maidan as yoga guru Baba Ramdev on Thursday began his three-day fast against corruption.
Most of the crowd was made up of people from outside the city, unlike the Anna Hazare’s recent protest which witnessed big participation from Delhi residents.
Taking up Team Anna’s demands, while eschewing the activists’ bellicose language, Ramdev asked the government to legislate a strong anti-corruption ombudsman, set up an independent appointment process for the CBI chief, election commissioners, CVC and CAG and ensure the return of black money.
“The fight for lokpal has not ended, and we’ll take it forward,” Ramdev said. “We are with Anna’s social agenda, but not with the team… we will not trigger controversy.”
He also clarified that he was not interested in entering politics, but expressed willingness to speak to any political leader, including Sonia Gandhi on ways to fight corruption.
“I am not against any political party. We don’t aim to dislodge anyone from power. My doors are also open for Sonia Gandhi. I have no political agenda. My only agenda is to protect our nation’s prosperity. I am sitting on a symbolic fast for 3 days,” Ramdev said.
With his three-day fast against black money, Ramdev also seems to be shifting the Lokpal Bill battle away from Anna Hazare and his team. He has vowed to expose all those involved in tax evasion and money laundering. He claimed that he has no political agenda and that he is open to talks with all political parties. Approximately 15,000 people were present at the venue on Thursday.
Anna Hazare was not present on the first day of the fast though he had earlier declared that he will join the protest. However, Ramdev said that Anna Hazare was still supporting him and that the fight for the Lokpal bill wasn’t yet over. Speaking at the Ramlila Maidan, Ramdev said, “The government will be forced to bring Lokpal.”
