Ramdev faces protest by Patel youths over alleged statement

Surat, Dec 23: Yoga guru Baba Ramdev today faced the wrath of Patel community youths who stormed the venue of his camp here and protested against his alleged statement over the quota issue.

Ramdev, who is in Surat since three days to take part in a mass yoga camp in Puna Gaam area, later held a press conference and claimed that the youths had been misled by a "false" media report.

While addressing students at a function in the city two days ago, Ramdev had reportedly advised the Patel youths, who are agitating for reservations in OBC category, to think of the country first.

"Every citizen, be it Patidar (Patel), Kshatriya or Brahmin, should first think about his country, not about himself," he was quoted as saying in a media report.

This morning, about 50 youths stormed the venue of the camp, shouted slogans and sought an apology from him. "These Patidar boys got angry because of a false media report.

I met them afterwards and showed them CD of that program to clear the misunderstanding. I never spoke such words. I also said so from the dais when they were protesting.

They are like my children," said Ramdev. "After meeting me they were satisfied. There are no differences between me and the Patel community," Ramdev said.

PTI