Row over Congress MP''s alleged slur against Ramdev

Itanagar, Feb 19 (PTI) Yoga guru Ramdev today allegedthat he was called a ''bloody Indian'' by a Congress MP fromArunchal Pradesh in public view during a yoga camp in thestate, a charge denied by the lawmaker even as the incidentdrew condemnation from the BJP.

"He is calling me bloody Indian.... In India I ambeing called a bloody Indian... this has happened for thefirst time," Ramdev said pointing to Congress Ninong Ering,who was standing near the dais where the yoga guru was sittingduring the camp at Pasighat in East Siang, about 280 kms fromhere.

However, the MP denied saying anything against Ramdevand claimed that he had only objected after the yoga gurulevelled allegations of corruption against the Nehru-Gandhifamily and the central government.

"This is very unfortunate. I never said anythingagainst him... At the end of the session, he started speakingabout politics.. so I said ''Babaji, I think we should stick toyoga instead of going into politics''. I think he couldn''t hearme.... then his bodyguards came and pushed me," Ering whorepresents Eastern Arunachal constituency said.

District Magistrate Onit Panyang said EducationMinister Bosiram Siram had intervened and sought an apologyfrom Ering.

The BJP was quick to condemn the alleged remarks madeby the lawmaker, saying the MP had no right to sit inParliament if he did not consider himself an Indian.

"Ering''s comments are utterly irresponsible andseditious. He has abused Baba Ramdev and called him a bloodyIndian. We condemn this outburst. Ramdev is a revered figure,"BJP spokesperson Prakash Javadekar said.

The principal opposition also asked Ering if heconsidered himself an Indian.

"When he calls somebody a bloody Indian does Ering notrecognise Arunachal Pradesh to be a part of India? If he doesnot consider himself an Indian then he has no right to sit inParliament," he said.

BJP demanded that the Congress and the government take"immediate action" against Ering.

The Congress, meanwhile, said that it was looking intothe matter.

"Nobody should use uncivilised language in any walk oflife," Congress spokesperson Shakeel Ahmed said but quicklyadded he would comment only after inquiring into the matter.

"We will inquire into it... We respect Baba Ramdev forhis contribution in the field of yoga. We will comment oncethe concerned general secretary in-charge apprises us," Ahmedsaid.