A combative Baba Ramdev on Saturday intensified his agitation and alleged that the government had betrayed him. Stating that he will battle against corruption till his last breath, he
called on his followers to reach the national capital to join the agitation.
O
n the issue of him continuing the satyagraha and claims by the government that he was scheduled to call off the strike on Saturday afternoon, Baba Ramdev alleged that a Union minister (without
naming him) had lied to him. “How can a Cabinet minister lie like this?” he asked. “I want written assurance from the government on each issue and will not talk to the government on phone. I will
only talk to the Prime Minister and listen to what he has to say before any decision on calling off the agitation,” he stated. He asked his supporters to desist from violence even if he is arrested
by the government.
The yoga guru alleged that there was a conspiracy against him and there were attempts to threaten him. “I will not sit back if attacks are unleashed on me. In this fight for truth, I will not
attack first but I will not sit back if I am attacked. I will reply,” he said.
“Some people are making irresponsible remarks like Baba wants to create instability. I did not bring discord between Hindus and Muslims or on the lines of caste or region,” he stated. He also said
he wants concrete action on the issue of black money rather than the formation of any committee.
Rebutting Congress claims, he stated that he was not an agent of the BJP or the RSS. “I am agent of farmers and labourers. We are not against any party or individual,” he stated.
He maintained that he neither wants any political post nor will he fight elections. “I will not be the Prime Minister or President even if someone wants. I will not accept any political position
nor will I ever contest an election,” he said.
He stated that no one can “shut his mouth” through any pressure. He said his main demands are that government should declare black money overseas as national assets and bring charges of treason
against those who stash money abroad.
Clarifying on the issue of funding of the ongoing protest, he stated common people had spent money for organising the protest. “Would it have been proper if so many people are forced to sit in the
sun in this heat?”
Describing Prime Minister Manmohan Singh as a “man of integrity”, he said if the government approaches this issue with the right intention and accepts his demands, it will get the credit for it. “I
have not come here for getting any job or reservation. I have not come here to beg. I am seeking what is the right of this country,” he said.
Asked about Mr Digvijay Singh’s attacks on him, he said: “A politician should not have made such an irresponsible statement.”
To a question on Sadhvi Rithambara joining the agitation, Baba Ramdev made it clear that he found nothing wrong in that.
and he knows her for the past 20 years.
Asked if agreeing to a joint drafting committee on Lokpal was a mistake by Mr Anna Hazare, he said he will not raise any question on the Gandhian and he is with him.