A comparison has begun between Baba Ramdev and Anna Hazare in the political circles after the two have virtually shaken the government on the issues of black money and corruption. Their action plan suggest that political parties in power and outside, lack the determination to correct the system.
According to a section of political leaders, Ramdev’s decision to sit on fast-unto-death in New Delhi on June 4, is influenced by Anna Hazare’s fast. The latter became a national hero for some time by compelling the Centre for taking steps towards a strong Lokpal Bill. “If he (Hazare) can do so, why can’t I, I have larger following them him,” they viewed.
Baba Ramdev was sidelined despite being well organised, resourceful, running institutions professionally and has a large network.
Anna Hazare’s influence has confined to Maharashtra till the undertook fast-unto-death at Jantar Mantar.
Ramdev’s agenda is expanding from holding yog shivirs to bringing back black money from tax havens, demanding withdrawal of `500 and `1000 currency notes to prevent misuse of unaccounted money and death penalty provision for the corrupt in IPC. Though he has clarified that he has no political ambitions and is not interested in launching a political party, his Bharat Swabhiman organisation has on its agenda achieving votes, boycotting foreign companies and adoption of swadeshi.
On the other hand, Anna Hazare known as a Gandhian, began his social work with watershed development programme at his village Ralegan Siddhi in Ahmednagar district, launched a campaign against alcohol, emphasised on straightening gram sabha, and pleaded for the Right to Information Act before it was passed by Parliament.
But he lacks organisational network, is not articulate either in Hindi or English and lives in Yadavbaba temple at Ralegaon Siddhi. He has been influenced by the thoughts of Swami Viveknanda, Achyutrao Patwardhan and sant Tukdoji Maharaj.
Baba Ramdev has been a known face because of his appearance on TV channels almost daily, teaching asans and pranayaam, but he had faced several controversies too. In March 2005, employees of Divya Yoga Mandir Trust at Haridwar started agitation for minimum wages and wanted them to be covered under the Provident Fund and employees insurance schemes. His views on AIDS and sex education and reported claims that yoga and ayurvedic drugs can cure AIDS and cancer also remain controversial.
According to some Union ministers Ramdev has created health conscienceness across the country while Anna Hazare became a model of village development. But they are taking up issues which cannot be implemented as per their wishes.
While the Congress has never been comfortable with them, the BJP sees an opportunity to expose the Centre by backing their agitation.