With media confronting telecom minister Kapil Sibal on the letter revealed by Sibal, Ramdev denied a covert deal or that his was a "fixed" fast. He said on Saturday that Sibal and Subodh Kant Sahay had requested him for the letter saying that it would help them deal with the allegation that the government had surrendered to him.
He warned his supporters to stay put in case he was arrested and made it clear that a written assurance is a must. Ramdev said he would never speak to Sibal again and said he will announce his next course of action after "I hear from the PM."
Before that, Sibal had also talked tough. "No government has reached out as much as ours. But if we can reach out we can also rein in. This government believes in resolving issues not in exacerbating them. But If we can be accommodative, we can also be firm" , said Sibal, adding its accommodation should not be read as a sign of weakness. This has clear implications. The government may have to change its negotiators. Also, the assurance from the government has to be more specific, given Baba's need for something that he can show his accomplishment.
Although delayed, a settlement remained in sight. Subodh Kant Sahay confirmed that the government's commitment to the law on black money would reach Ramdev. According to sources, the letter says " This is to clarify that the government is committed to a legal structure that will turn ill-gotten wealth into national asset.Such assets would be confiscated and the law would also provide for exemplary punishment for those with ill-gotten wealth.This clearly declares the government's commitment ... You have publicly stated that upon receiving the letter of commitment you would end your "tap" . Hope you will honour your commitment" .
Ramdev will also have trouble sustaining his show indefinitely in the torrid weather, especially after Sibal's success in sowing doubts about his resolve. Government sources are already deriving satisfaction from the fact that the turnout at Ramlila Maidan, although bigger than what Anna could manage at Jantar Mantar, is below the expectations of the organizers.
The upturn in tensions led to Sibal hurrying to meet finance minister Pranab Mukherjee to draft the clarification sought by Ramdev on the government's willingness to draft a stringent law on black money. This can see the Baba's fast prolonging as the two sides need to rework the fragile trust between them.
The government is taking the Baba's challenge seriously and although Sibal suggested tougher measures in case Ramdev did not come around, harsh action might not be easy to contemplate . The government cannot afford to be seen on the wrong side of the war against corruption and the Baba's act has certainly struck a chord.
The meeting of the cabinet committee on political affairs held a couple of days back had in fact deliberated in such scenarios with the majority opinion expressing the apprehension that events might prove hard to manage once Ramdev begins his fast. It will need another round or two of high pressure diplomacy , perhaps much more discreet than has been the case so far, to resolve the confrontation.
He warned his supporters to stay put in case he was arrested and made it clear that a written assurance is a must. Ramdev said he would never speak to Sibal again and said he will announce his next course of action after "I hear from the PM."
Before that, Sibal had also talked tough. "No government has reached out as much as ours. But if we can reach out we can also rein in. This government believes in resolving issues not in exacerbating them. But If we can be accommodative, we can also be firm" , said Sibal, adding its accommodation should not be read as a sign of weakness. This has clear implications. The government may have to change its negotiators. Also, the assurance from the government has to be more specific, given Baba's need for something that he can show his accomplishment.
Although delayed, a settlement remained in sight. Subodh Kant Sahay confirmed that the government's commitment to the law on black money would reach Ramdev. According to sources, the letter says " This is to clarify that the government is committed to a legal structure that will turn ill-gotten wealth into national asset.Such assets would be confiscated and the law would also provide for exemplary punishment for those with ill-gotten wealth.This clearly declares the government's commitment ... You have publicly stated that upon receiving the letter of commitment you would end your "tap" . Hope you will honour your commitment" .
Ramdev will also have trouble sustaining his show indefinitely in the torrid weather, especially after Sibal's success in sowing doubts about his resolve. Government sources are already deriving satisfaction from the fact that the turnout at Ramlila Maidan, although bigger than what Anna could manage at Jantar Mantar, is below the expectations of the organizers.
The upturn in tensions led to Sibal hurrying to meet finance minister Pranab Mukherjee to draft the clarification sought by Ramdev on the government's willingness to draft a stringent law on black money. This can see the Baba's fast prolonging as the two sides need to rework the fragile trust between them.
The government is taking the Baba's challenge seriously and although Sibal suggested tougher measures in case Ramdev did not come around, harsh action might not be easy to contemplate . The government cannot afford to be seen on the wrong side of the war against corruption and the Baba's act has certainly struck a chord.
The meeting of the cabinet committee on political affairs held a couple of days back had in fact deliberated in such scenarios with the majority opinion expressing the apprehension that events might prove hard to manage once Ramdev begins his fast. It will need another round or two of high pressure diplomacy , perhaps much more discreet than has been the case so far, to resolve the confrontation.
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