Ramdev plans fast-unto-death, seeking death penalty for graft

May 04, 2011 |

IANS

mumbai

Tags:

Baba Ramdev

Yoga guru Baba Ramdev on Wednesday announced he will go on a fast-unto-death from June 4 in New Delhi to demand capital punishment for corrupt officials and recovery of black money stashed away in Swiss banks by Indian politicians and businessmen.

Speaking to reporters here, Ramdev said that names of all foreign bank account holders should be made public and high denomination currency notes like of Rs.500 and Rs.1,000 be banned.

"Despite knowledge about it, the central government has not taken any concrete decision on the issue of black money plaguing the country," Ramdev said.

He is likely to be joined by social activist Anna Hazare, former police officer Kiran Bedi and Karnataka 'Lokayukta' (ombudsman) Santosh Hegde.

Ramdev said his supporters in India and from abroad will join him in the hunger fast at New Delhi's Ramlila Ground.

Vowing to continue the fight against corruption, Ramdev said a strong Lokpal Bill should be enacted by August this year, as assured by the central government after a hunger strike by Hazare in New Delhi last month.

Ramdev said he plans to write to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, highlighting issues related to corruption in the country.

Ramdev reiterated this is not a platform for him to join politics. "I have no ambitions to be a politician and will never take part in active politics."

Ramdev is at present touring Mumbai and surrounding areas as part of his 300-day nationwide tour to teach yoga to the masses.

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