Delhi: Ramdev shows his clout; vents fury at Cong, PM

New Delhi, Aug 14: Yoga guru

has called off his fast against corruption and the black money issue on the fifth day of protest. Calling the agitation "victorious", he will vacate the Ambedkar stadium along with thousands of supporters after he was arrested by the Delhi police following an attempt to take out a protest march to the Parliament.

Reports have emerged that he will head straight to Haridwar after breaking his fast. He has been quoted as saying, "I haven't eaten or taken a bath for five days, I will now go straight to take a dip in the river Ganga." He had on Monday refused to vacate the stadium as a mark of protest and stayed the night along with his supporters.

The Delhi police has on Tuesday set a deadline of 1 pm for Ramdev and his supporters to vacate the stadium. The Home Ministry had earlier raised security concerns about an unverified mob sitting close to the Red Fort on the eve of the Independence Day. Massive security arrangements are in place ahead of the Independence Day festivities in the national capital and the officials are on their toes to make sure that nothing untoward happens.

Addressing the massive crowd at the stadium, Ramdev slammed the PM and said, "Mr Prime Minister, tomorrow is Independence Day. If you don't speak about black money and corruption (in an address to the nation), then you are as guilty as those who are corrupt. We could have stopped the PM from unfurling the national flag tomorrow."

Ramdev also attacked the Congress in his acid speech and said, "The Congress has proved it is the most corrupt party. The Congress should surely lose elections but we will disclose the name of the party that should win elections, only closer to elections."

With the NDA, BJP, Akali Dal, Mulayam Singh Yadav, Left parties and Mayawati supporting Baba Ramdev's effort to root out black money, Baba can surely claim a moral victory. In a snide remark, Ramdev said, "Have received support from Mulayam Singh Yadav and Mayawati. The NCP also called me for support. If these three support me, then in a day the government will fall apart. The NDA also supports this cause. The Left also supports us. Only Congress stands alone, that's the success of this agitation."

It is just a matter of time to find out if Baba Ramdev's protest reflects on the Assembly elections and spoil Congress' chances for a victory.

OneIndia News