BJP holds Manmohan, Sonia responsible for Ramlila police action

The Hindu Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Nitin Gadkari. File Photo

Condemning the police action against Baba Ramdev’s agitation, the Bharatiya Janata Party on Sunday sought to hold Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress chief Sonia Gandhi responsible for it and announced a 24-hour stir across the country to register the party’s protest.

BJP president Nitin Gadkari said the “police crackdown” was reminiscent of the Emergency days and alleged that Congress was not ready to discuss corruption issue through democratic means like that period.

“The crackdown by police came on the orders of the Prime Minister and Sonia Gandhi. We strongly condemn it...The Prime Minister and Sonia Gandhi must apologise to the people,” Mr. Gadkari said addressing a press conference in Lucknow.

The BJP chief also announced a 24-hour agitation at district level across the country in protest against the “police high-handedness.”

Detailing the programme for the agitation, he said the party workers will hold satyagrah at Rajghat in Delhi.

Replying to questions, he said the issue of corruption should not be politicised.

At the same time, he said it was BJP which had raised the issue of black money and corruption first and that it will support the organisations fighting against it.

BJP holds Manmohan, Sonia responsible for Ramlila police action

The Hindu Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Nitin Gadkari. File Photo

Condemning the police action against Baba Ramdev’s agitation, the Bharatiya Janata Party on Sunday sought to hold Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress chief Sonia Gandhi responsible for it and announced a 24-hour stir across the country to register the party’s protest.

BJP president Nitin Gadkari said the “police crackdown” was reminiscent of the Emergency days and alleged that Congress was not ready to discuss corruption issue through democratic means like that period.

“The crackdown by police came on the orders of the Prime Minister and Sonia Gandhi. We strongly condemn it...The Prime Minister and Sonia Gandhi must apologise to the people,” Mr. Gadkari said addressing a press conference in Lucknow.

The BJP chief also announced a 24-hour agitation at district level across the country in protest against the “police high-handedness.”

Detailing the programme for the agitation, he said the party workers will hold satyagrah at Rajghat in Delhi.

Replying to questions, he said the issue of corruption should not be politicised.

At the same time, he said it was BJP which had raised the issue of black money and corruption first and that it will support the organisations fighting against it.

Ramdev reaches Dehra Dun, on way to Haridwar

Yoga guru Baba Ramdev. Photo: Rajeev Bhatt

Yoga guru Baba Ramdev was flown out of Delhi to Dehra Dun by a special plane after the police swooped down on his hunger strike at the Ramlila Maidan in a midnight operation.

Baba Ramdev, who was initially taken to an undisclosed destination from the protest site, was flown to Dehra Dun from Palam Airport this morning, officials said.

On his arrival at the Jolly Grant Airport near Dehra Dun, Baba Ramdev, who was alone, was received by Uttarakhand government officials, they said.

“He was alone when he landed. He was received by officials at the airport. He will now proceed to Haridwar where he has an ashram,” Dehra Dun Senior Superintendent of Police G. S. Martolia said.

While leaving the airport for his ashram, he refused to speak to media persons, saying that he will hold a press conference later.

Ramdev reaches Dehra Dun, on way to Haridwar

Yoga guru Baba Ramdev. Photo: Rajeev Bhatt

Yoga guru Baba Ramdev was flown out of Delhi to Dehra Dun by a special plane after the police swooped down on his hunger strike at the Ramlila Maidan in a midnight operation.

Baba Ramdev, who was initially taken to an undisclosed destination from the protest site, was flown to Dehra Dun from Palam Airport this morning, officials said.

On his arrival at the Jolly Grant Airport near Dehra Dun, Baba Ramdev, who was alone, was received by Uttarakhand government officials, they said.

“He was alone when he landed. He was received by officials at the airport. He will now proceed to Haridwar where he has an ashram,” Dehra Dun Senior Superintendent of Police G. S. Martolia said.

While leaving the airport for his ashram, he refused to speak to media persons, saying that he will hold a press conference later.

RSS condemns police action on Ramdev, followers

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Sunday condemned the “brutal” midnight action on Baba Ramdev and his followers and said it was crude attempt by the government to protect the corrupt.

RSS spokesman Ram Madhav wondered whether it was democracy and rule of law in India or it is a police state where action is taken on peaceful protesters at midnight without notice.

He said the police action only showed the government was going out of the way to protect those who break laws and attack those who raise issues.

RSS condemns police action on Ramdev, followers

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Sunday condemned the “brutal” midnight action on Baba Ramdev and his followers and said it was crude attempt by the government to protect the corrupt.

RSS spokesman Ram Madhav wondered whether it was democracy and rule of law in India or it is a police state where action is taken on peaceful protesters at midnight without notice.

He said the police action only showed the government was going out of the way to protect those who break laws and attack those who raise issues.

Ramdev deceived the entire country: Digvijay

PTI Congress general secretary Digvijay Singh. File Photo

Hours after Delhi police disrupted Baba Ramdev’s hunger strike, Congress leader Digvijay Singh on Sunday justified the action and demanded investigation into his activities since 1994, alleging that he has cheated many people.

Mr. Singh, who has been critical of Baba Ramdev for long, called him a “thug” and said the treatment meted out to him was appropriate for such a person.

“There are certain laws and regulations in the country, you cannot allow people like Ramdev to run riot in the capital city. He was trying to incite people in the Ramlila Maidan,” the Congress general secretary said.

Referring to the talks at the Claridges hotel between senior union ministers and Baba Ramdev two days back, Mr. Singh said the yoga guru had “reached an agreement but still went ahead with his fast. This is another way of fooling people. He deceived the entire country.”

Alleging that Baba Ramdev had indulged in “illegal” activities, the Congress leader said “there should be full investigation into his activities.”

He insisted that party has nothing to do with the action and said he would not comment on the administrative action.

Ramdev deceived the entire country: Digvijay

PTI Congress general secretary Digvijay Singh. File Photo

Hours after Delhi police disrupted Baba Ramdev’s hunger strike, Congress leader Digvijay Singh on Sunday justified the action and demanded investigation into his activities since 1994, alleging that he has cheated many people.

Mr. Singh, who has been critical of Baba Ramdev for long, called him a “thug” and said the treatment meted out to him was appropriate for such a person.

“There are certain laws and regulations in the country, you cannot allow people like Ramdev to run riot in the capital city. He was trying to incite people in the Ramlila Maidan,” the Congress general secretary said.

Referring to the talks at the Claridges hotel between senior union ministers and Baba Ramdev two days back, Mr. Singh said the yoga guru had “reached an agreement but still went ahead with his fast. This is another way of fooling people. He deceived the entire country.”

Alleging that Baba Ramdev had indulged in “illegal” activities, the Congress leader said “there should be full investigation into his activities.”

He insisted that party has nothing to do with the action and said he would not comment on the administrative action.

Music, humour and yoga at Ramlila Grounds

PTI Baba Ramdev laughs while addressing his followers at Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi on Friday.

Devotional and patriotic songs on Saturday reverberated across the Ramlila Grounds, the site of yoga guru Baba Ramdev’s hunger strike against black money, as his discourse was laced with humour and demonstration of ’asanas’

A music-filled morning greeted the thousands of people who poured into the sprawling site to see and listen to Baba Ramdev.

At 4:50 am, the yoga guru came on the dais accompanied by saffron-clad monks and he was joined by radical Sangh Parivar leader Sadhvi Ritambara and Muslim and Sikh religious leaders.

One-man show

It was almost a one-man show by Baba Ramdev who conducted the proceedings, interspersing yoga demonstration, discourse and music with a bit of humour to spice up the proceedings.

Whenever religious leaders came on the dais, Baba Ramdev would introduce, apparently to project that his movement was not sponsored by RSS or any other organisation.

Baba Ramdev continuously addressed the gathering and was followed by Sadhvi Ridambara who lavished praise on the Baba saying “if there were more Vallabbhai Patels, then there was no need for a sanyasi to sit on satyagraha.”

Maulvi Rizvi complimented the Sadhvi for her speech and said “this is not Mullah Omar’s Taliban. This is Hindustan,” drawing thunderous applause.

Message for the Obese!

Baba Ramdev was at his humorous best when he told his followers that the hunger strike will help them in two ways.

“Hamara mota bhai aur moti baheno ke liye yeh satyagrah health benefits dega aur desh ke liye wealth mil jayega” (while the hunger strike will help slim obese brothers and sisters, it will also bring wealth to the country)”.

He said support from politicians is welcome but they cannot make speeches.

“They can support us but they cannot make speeches because it leads to controversy,” he said.

The yoga guru then gave instructions to those who were fasting along with him, saying “we have arranged for water and lemon juice but don’t drink in large quantities.”

“By making this call, we can awaken the country. We have received more than 55 lakh missed calls already.

Sometime, we will cross a record one crore mark to remove corruption,” he said, referring to his campaign.

Bhojpuri star at agitation site

Bhojpuri superstar Manoj Tiwari was the first celebrity to reach Ramlila Maidan, the site of Baba Ramdev’s hunger strike. The popular singer-actor claimed that he had told his producer that he will not shoot for a month from June 4 as he wanted to join Baba Ramdev in his campaign against black money.

Tiwari began with Mahatma Gandhi’s favourite bhajan ’Raghupati Raghav Rajaram’ and also sang other patriotic songs.

A young sadhu, who claimed to be a Bhuddhist yoga teacher, was seen recording the performance on his Blackberry.

Music, humour and yoga at Ramlila Grounds

PTI Baba Ramdev laughs while addressing his followers at Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi on Friday.

Devotional and patriotic songs on Saturday reverberated across the Ramlila Grounds, the site of yoga guru Baba Ramdev’s hunger strike against black money, as his discourse was laced with humour and demonstration of ’asanas’

A music-filled morning greeted the thousands of people who poured into the sprawling site to see and listen to Baba Ramdev.

At 4:50 am, the yoga guru came on the dais accompanied by saffron-clad monks and he was joined by radical Sangh Parivar leader Sadhvi Ritambara and Muslim and Sikh religious leaders.

One-man show

It was almost a one-man show by Baba Ramdev who conducted the proceedings, interspersing yoga demonstration, discourse and music with a bit of humour to spice up the proceedings.

Whenever religious leaders came on the dais, Baba Ramdev would introduce, apparently to project that his movement was not sponsored by RSS or any other organisation.

Baba Ramdev continuously addressed the gathering and was followed by Sadhvi Ridambara who lavished praise on the Baba saying “if there were more Vallabbhai Patels, then there was no need for a sanyasi to sit on satyagraha.”

Maulvi Rizvi complimented the Sadhvi for her speech and said “this is not Mullah Omar’s Taliban. This is Hindustan,” drawing thunderous applause.

Message for the Obese!

Baba Ramdev was at his humorous best when he told his followers that the hunger strike will help them in two ways.

“Hamara mota bhai aur moti baheno ke liye yeh satyagrah health benefits dega aur desh ke liye wealth mil jayega” (while the hunger strike will help slim obese brothers and sisters, it will also bring wealth to the country)”.

He said support from politicians is welcome but they cannot make speeches.

“They can support us but they cannot make speeches because it leads to controversy,” he said.

The yoga guru then gave instructions to those who were fasting along with him, saying “we have arranged for water and lemon juice but don’t drink in large quantities.”

“By making this call, we can awaken the country. We have received more than 55 lakh missed calls already.

Sometime, we will cross a record one crore mark to remove corruption,” he said, referring to his campaign.

Bhojpuri star at agitation site

Bhojpuri superstar Manoj Tiwari was the first celebrity to reach Ramlila Maidan, the site of Baba Ramdev’s hunger strike. The popular singer-actor claimed that he had told his producer that he will not shoot for a month from June 4 as he wanted to join Baba Ramdev in his campaign against black money.

Tiwari began with Mahatma Gandhi’s favourite bhajan ’Raghupati Raghav Rajaram’ and also sang other patriotic songs.

A young sadhu, who claimed to be a Bhuddhist yoga teacher, was seen recording the performance on his Blackberry.

Pranab convenes meet to discuss Ramdev demands

Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Saturday convened a meeting of senior ministers to further discuss the demands of Baba Ramdev who is on a hunger strike demanding immediate measures to get back the black money stashed away abroad.

The meeting comes shortly after the Baba took a two-hour break from his protest to discuss issues with government representatives on various issues related to his demands.

Union Ministers P. Chidambaram, Kapil Sibal, Subodh Kant Sahay, Cabinet Secretary K. M. Chandrasekhar and Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister T.K. A. Nair were in the meeting called by Mr. Mukherjee in his North Block office.

Meanwhile, back-channel talks are on to resolve the stand-off in the wake of Baba Ramdev’s agitation.

Pranab convenes meet to discuss Ramdev demands

Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Saturday convened a meeting of senior ministers to further discuss the demands of Baba Ramdev who is on a hunger strike demanding immediate measures to get back the black money stashed away abroad.

The meeting comes shortly after the Baba took a two-hour break from his protest to discuss issues with government representatives on various issues related to his demands.

Union Ministers P. Chidambaram, Kapil Sibal, Subodh Kant Sahay, Cabinet Secretary K. M. Chandrasekhar and Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister T.K. A. Nair were in the meeting called by Mr. Mukherjee in his North Block office.

Meanwhile, back-channel talks are on to resolve the stand-off in the wake of Baba Ramdev’s agitation.

Ramdev’s fast remotely controlled, Cong alleges

The Hindu Baba Ramdev during his fast against corruption. Photo: Sandeep Saxena

Congress today targeted Baba Ramdev’s fast alleging it has been “remotely controlled or hijacked” by vested political interests with BJP and RSS and their several frontal organisations trying to destabilise the government through the campaign.

“It is most unfortunate that this common crusade against corruption is allowed to be remotely controlled or hijacked by vested political interests. The nation is aghast to see that BJP, RSS and their frontal organisations, which have repeatedly failed to get popular mandate, are trying to destabilise the government”, party spokesman Abhishek Singhvi told reporters here.

“By conceiving, controlling and coordinating the movement like the one at Ramlila Maidan, they are destabilising not only the government but the nation”, he said, in almost identical comments of party General Secretary Digvijay Singh who has been sharply critical of the yoga guru.

“What is Sadhvi Rithambara doing there? Sympathisers of RSS and BJP are at Ramlila Maidan and supporting this movement,” said Mr. Singhvi.

“We want to solve the problem but we don’t want any unreasonable and undemocratic steps to be taken,” Mr. Singhvi said when asked why the government was holding talks with Baba Ramdev.

Mr. Singhvi also attacked the “humongous” logistical arrangements at the Ramlila Maidan.

“Apart from private jets, there have been transportation arrangements and five-star facilities in the name of a fast. There is a mini-city within city. Who is financing these logistical operations?” he asked.

The nation “legitimately” wants to know what principles those who are revolting against black money and corruption are adhering to.

Mr. Sighvi emphasised that the UPA government has taken several measures to combat corruption and suggested that its works in this regard was “unparalleled”.

Ramdev’s fast remotely controlled, Cong alleges

The Hindu Baba Ramdev during his fast against corruption. Photo: Sandeep Saxena

Congress today targeted Baba Ramdev’s fast alleging it has been “remotely controlled or hijacked” by vested political interests with BJP and RSS and their several frontal organisations trying to destabilise the government through the campaign.

“It is most unfortunate that this common crusade against corruption is allowed to be remotely controlled or hijacked by vested political interests. The nation is aghast to see that BJP, RSS and their frontal organisations, which have repeatedly failed to get popular mandate, are trying to destabilise the government”, party spokesman Abhishek Singhvi told reporters here.

“By conceiving, controlling and coordinating the movement like the one at Ramlila Maidan, they are destabilising not only the government but the nation”, he said, in almost identical comments of party General Secretary Digvijay Singh who has been sharply critical of the yoga guru.

“What is Sadhvi Rithambara doing there? Sympathisers of RSS and BJP are at Ramlila Maidan and supporting this movement,” said Mr. Singhvi.

“We want to solve the problem but we don’t want any unreasonable and undemocratic steps to be taken,” Mr. Singhvi said when asked why the government was holding talks with Baba Ramdev.

Mr. Singhvi also attacked the “humongous” logistical arrangements at the Ramlila Maidan.

“Apart from private jets, there have been transportation arrangements and five-star facilities in the name of a fast. There is a mini-city within city. Who is financing these logistical operations?” he asked.

The nation “legitimately” wants to know what principles those who are revolting against black money and corruption are adhering to.

Mr. Sighvi emphasised that the UPA government has taken several measures to combat corruption and suggested that its works in this regard was “unparalleled”.

Assurance on law to check black money sent to Baba Ramdev

But will this assuage the yoga guru’s anger?

The government was virtually back to square one on the Baba Ramdev affair on Saturday evening, with the yoga guru accusing Union Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal of betraying his trust, within minutes of telling a cheering crowd at the Ramlila Maidan that the government had agreed to enact a law on black money, and that he would end his fast as soon as he received a clarificatory note on it. The day was expected to end with a resolution; instead, it ended with the stand-off in place.

Late on Saturday night, the government did dispatch the clarificatory note on the law on black money, declaring it as a national asset and providing for exemplary punishment. But at the time of writing, it wasn't clear whether this had assuaged Baba Ramdev's anger.

The dramatic change in the yoga guru's mood came after Mr. Sibal showed journalists a handwritten note Baba Ramdev had given the government, promising to announce at noon on Saturday that he would end his hunger strike on June 6.

The revelation of the note, which has embarrassed Baba Ramdev, was clearly an error of judgment on the part of the government, as it was no longer necessary. Earlier, a beleaguered government, under pressure from the Congress, and an object of ridicule in public for its “weakness,” had decided that if the yoga guru did not make a public announcement on Saturday, then the note would be its weapon to discredit him. But Baba Ramdev's phone call to Mr. Sibal obviated the necessity for such a revelation, as he had agreed to end his fast if the government gave him a written assurance on a law on black money.

Assurance on law to check black money sent to Baba Ramdev

But will this assuage the yoga guru’s anger?

The government was virtually back to square one on the Baba Ramdev affair on Saturday evening, with the yoga guru accusing Union Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal of betraying his trust, within minutes of telling a cheering crowd at the Ramlila Maidan that the government had agreed to enact a law on black money, and that he would end his fast as soon as he received a clarificatory note on it. The day was expected to end with a resolution; instead, it ended with the stand-off in place.

Late on Saturday night, the government did dispatch the clarificatory note on the law on black money, declaring it as a national asset and providing for exemplary punishment. But at the time of writing, it wasn't clear whether this had assuaged Baba Ramdev's anger.

The dramatic change in the yoga guru's mood came after Mr. Sibal showed journalists a handwritten note Baba Ramdev had given the government, promising to announce at noon on Saturday that he would end his hunger strike on June 6.

The revelation of the note, which has embarrassed Baba Ramdev, was clearly an error of judgment on the part of the government, as it was no longer necessary. Earlier, a beleaguered government, under pressure from the Congress, and an object of ridicule in public for its “weakness,” had decided that if the yoga guru did not make a public announcement on Saturday, then the note would be its weapon to discredit him. But Baba Ramdev's phone call to Mr. Sibal obviated the necessity for such a revelation, as he had agreed to end his fast if the government gave him a written assurance on a law on black money.

RSS, VHP presence at fast venue irks Prashant Bhushan

Don't be taken in by Centre's empty assurances, he cautions Baba Ramdev

Member of the Joint Committee for drafting the Lokpal Bill Prashant Bhushan said here on Saturday that he disapproved of Baba Ramdev sharing his ‘indefinite fast against corruption' platform with leaders of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad.

Speaking to media persons on the sidelines of an interactive session ‘Can the Lokpal Bill Instil Integrity' organised by the Bharat Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Bhushan said: “You cannot prevent anybody from supporting any movement but they [religious bodies] should not be allowed to use your platform. I am very unhappy that Sadhvi Ritambara and communal people from the RSS and other communal organisations are being allowed to use the platform.”

Mr. Bhushan, however, refused to comment on the demands raised by Baba Ramdev and the amount of money spent on arrangements at the fasting venue. “I cannot say anything about Baba Ramdev. He is his own person. I do not know how much money has been spent or where the money has come from. It is up to him.” He said he agreed with Baba Ramdev on most of his demands except the one on death penalty.

Mr. Bhushan had a suggestion for the yoga guru though. “I will caution him not to be taken in by empty assurances of the Centre. Let it either take some concrete action or at least give a written assurance which it will be more or less bound to honour. I say so because the government is a master at making assurances which they do not often fulfil.”

Speaking about the possibility of the Lokpal Bill draft being tabled in the monsoon session of Parliament as assured by the Centre, Mr. Bhushan said he was unsure. “We are apprehensive that it might not happen because so far the progress has been slow. However, if the government becomes serious and spends more time on it, it can still be brought in the monsoon session.”

On the current debate whether the Prime Minister should be brought within the ambit of the Lokpal, with the Centre disagreeing, Mr. Bhushan said that the purpose of the Lokpal would be “crippled” if irregularities in Ministries held by the Prime Minister were not allowed to be investigated.

“It makes no sense whatsoever to say that the Prime Minister should be immune from any corruption investigation.”

RSS, VHP presence at fast venue irks Prashant Bhushan

Don't be taken in by Centre's empty assurances, he cautions Baba Ramdev

Member of the Joint Committee for drafting the Lokpal Bill Prashant Bhushan said here on Saturday that he disapproved of Baba Ramdev sharing his ‘indefinite fast against corruption' platform with leaders of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad.

Speaking to media persons on the sidelines of an interactive session ‘Can the Lokpal Bill Instil Integrity' organised by the Bharat Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Bhushan said: “You cannot prevent anybody from supporting any movement but they [religious bodies] should not be allowed to use your platform. I am very unhappy that Sadhvi Ritambara and communal people from the RSS and other communal organisations are being allowed to use the platform.”

Mr. Bhushan, however, refused to comment on the demands raised by Baba Ramdev and the amount of money spent on arrangements at the fasting venue. “I cannot say anything about Baba Ramdev. He is his own person. I do not know how much money has been spent or where the money has come from. It is up to him.” He said he agreed with Baba Ramdev on most of his demands except the one on death penalty.

Mr. Bhushan had a suggestion for the yoga guru though. “I will caution him not to be taken in by empty assurances of the Centre. Let it either take some concrete action or at least give a written assurance which it will be more or less bound to honour. I say so because the government is a master at making assurances which they do not often fulfil.”

Speaking about the possibility of the Lokpal Bill draft being tabled in the monsoon session of Parliament as assured by the Centre, Mr. Bhushan said he was unsure. “We are apprehensive that it might not happen because so far the progress has been slow. However, if the government becomes serious and spends more time on it, it can still be brought in the monsoon session.”

On the current debate whether the Prime Minister should be brought within the ambit of the Lokpal, with the Centre disagreeing, Mr. Bhushan said that the purpose of the Lokpal would be “crippled” if irregularities in Ministries held by the Prime Minister were not allowed to be investigated.

“It makes no sense whatsoever to say that the Prime Minister should be immune from any corruption investigation.”

Baba Ramdev caught on the wrong foot

All day, the government waited for Baba Ramdev to announce that he would end his fast on June 6, and though there were back channel contacts, the announcement did not come. Finally, after a meeting on Saturday evening at which Union Ministers Pranab Mukherjee, A.K. Antony, P. Chidambaram, Kapil Sibal and Subodh Kant Sahay were present, it was decided that a press conference, giving the government's position, would be held.

Mr. Sibal and Mr. Sahay had barely entered the venue of the press conference at the Shastri Bhavan, when the former's mobile phone rang — the caller, Baba Ramdev.

The two men walked out and in that telephonic conversation, Mr. Sibal told Baba Ramdev, sources said, that he might be forced to reveal the contents of the letter if the latter did not himself publicly announce that his hunger strike would end on June 6. In response, the latter said the government would first have to assure him it would pass an ordinance to tackle black money, as thus far it had only promised him a committee to look at the issue.

To this, Mr. Sibal, ruling out an ordinance, told the yoga guru that it was not just a committee — the committee would be mandated to frame a law on black money. Baba Ramdev acquiesced, only saying that he would like a written clarification. Mr. Sibal agreed to this.

The moment the conversation ended, at 6.50 p.m., the yoga guru announced at the Ramlila Grounds that his demand for a law on black money had been accepted, and that once he received a written assurance to that effect, he would end his fast.

Having heard the announcement on television, Mr. Sibal and Mr. Sahay re-entered the conference hall to brief journalists about Baba Ramdev's promise to end his fast once he received a written clarification on a law on black money. But instead of stopping there, Mr. Sibal pulled out Baba Ramdev's letter — it is this that has angered the yoga guru beyond measure. For good measure, Mr. Sibal said that while the government knew how to “reach out,” it also knew how to “reign in.” But its efforts to reign in the yoga guru clearly backfired on Saturday.

At the Ramlila Grounds, Baba Ramdev found himself in a fix answering questions from journalists on the “deal” that he had struck with the government even before the fast began, thus betraying his devotees who had shown up in the thousands to support his demands. Asked why he wrote such a letter on Friday before everything was settled, the yoga guru made some revelations of his own: he said Mr. Sibal had pleaded with him on Friday that he needed something, especially as his meeting with the four Cabinet Ministers at the airport had made the government the object of public ridicule. The yoga guru claimed that he had only written it so that if he did not end his hunger strike on June 6 — by which time he expected all matters to be settled — that letter could be given to the Prime Minister. A weak explanation, but the yoga guru was clearly caught on the wrong foot by the revelation of the letter.

And by now, he was once again demanding an ordinance — something that had been ruled out. Indeed, when Mr. Sahay was asked late at night about the yoga guru renewing his demand for an ordinance, he said there was no talk about it. He also refused to comment on Baba Ramdev's allegation that the government had betrayed him. Mr. Sahay merely said: “We hope Ramdev will fulfil his part of the commitment to end his agitation once he has the written assurance.

Baba Ramdev caught on the wrong foot

All day, the government waited for Baba Ramdev to announce that he would end his fast on June 6, and though there were back channel contacts, the announcement did not come. Finally, after a meeting on Saturday evening at which Union Ministers Pranab Mukherjee, A.K. Antony, P. Chidambaram, Kapil Sibal and Subodh Kant Sahay were present, it was decided that a press conference, giving the government's position, would be held.

Mr. Sibal and Mr. Sahay had barely entered the venue of the press conference at the Shastri Bhavan, when the former's mobile phone rang — the caller, Baba Ramdev.

The two men walked out and in that telephonic conversation, Mr. Sibal told Baba Ramdev, sources said, that he might be forced to reveal the contents of the letter if the latter did not himself publicly announce that his hunger strike would end on June 6. In response, the latter said the government would first have to assure him it would pass an ordinance to tackle black money, as thus far it had only promised him a committee to look at the issue.

To this, Mr. Sibal, ruling out an ordinance, told the yoga guru that it was not just a committee — the committee would be mandated to frame a law on black money. Baba Ramdev acquiesced, only saying that he would like a written clarification. Mr. Sibal agreed to this.

The moment the conversation ended, at 6.50 p.m., the yoga guru announced at the Ramlila Grounds that his demand for a law on black money had been accepted, and that once he received a written assurance to that effect, he would end his fast.

Having heard the announcement on television, Mr. Sibal and Mr. Sahay re-entered the conference hall to brief journalists about Baba Ramdev's promise to end his fast once he received a written clarification on a law on black money. But instead of stopping there, Mr. Sibal pulled out Baba Ramdev's letter — it is this that has angered the yoga guru beyond measure. For good measure, Mr. Sibal said that while the government knew how to “reach out,” it also knew how to “reign in.” But its efforts to reign in the yoga guru clearly backfired on Saturday.

At the Ramlila Grounds, Baba Ramdev found himself in a fix answering questions from journalists on the “deal” that he had struck with the government even before the fast began, thus betraying his devotees who had shown up in the thousands to support his demands. Asked why he wrote such a letter on Friday before everything was settled, the yoga guru made some revelations of his own: he said Mr. Sibal had pleaded with him on Friday that he needed something, especially as his meeting with the four Cabinet Ministers at the airport had made the government the object of public ridicule. The yoga guru claimed that he had only written it so that if he did not end his hunger strike on June 6 — by which time he expected all matters to be settled — that letter could be given to the Prime Minister. A weak explanation, but the yoga guru was clearly caught on the wrong foot by the revelation of the letter.

And by now, he was once again demanding an ordinance — something that had been ruled out. Indeed, when Mr. Sahay was asked late at night about the yoga guru renewing his demand for an ordinance, he said there was no talk about it. He also refused to comment on Baba Ramdev's allegation that the government had betrayed him. Mr. Sahay merely said: “We hope Ramdev will fulfil his part of the commitment to end his agitation once he has the written assurance.