Ramdev bends a bit,but aides keep him on fast track

The remarks surprised his core group of supporters. Soon,they went into a huddle and after much deliberations,he did a volte face. Ramdev said he has pardoned the central government as he was a sanyasi who cannot hold ill-will against anyone. But,he said,that was not the case of hundreds of “common people” who faced police atrocities and argued that they will not pardon the government.

Sources said his close ring of followers were not in favour of ending his fast at this juncture and losing momentum especially when Anna Hazare is set to sit on a fast on Wednesday. Senior BJP leader Bhagat Singh Koshiyari met him and had a discussion with his advisors.

Ramdev added that he would continue his fast and said only “children,old and those who are ill would call off their fast”. Sources said calling off the fast without a credible reason would send a wrong message and dent his newly acquired crusader image. It is learnt that Ramdev has got in touch with Hindu religious leaders,soliciting their support. Among them was a senior leader of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, Baba Hathayogi,who has been at loggerheads with Ramdev and has levelled many serious allegations against him and his trust in the past. By evening,a host of saffron-clad sants appeared at the venue of his fast in solidarity.

He also made a conscious effort to project that he and Hazare were on the same page. Ramdev’s supporters would take part in Hazare’s fast in Delhi. “There can be some personal differences,but we are togehter in this bigger fight against corruption and black money,” he said. Ramdev spoke about bringing a social and political change.

Adding to the drama was the return of his close aide Acharya Balakrishna,who had been missing from action since the police swoop in Delhi. His nationality had come under question in between so were his financial dealings. He broke down before the media,recounting the police action but was not forthcoming on where he was for the past few days.

He admitted his parents were Nepalese and claimed he was an Indian since he was born here. His brother,however,holds a Nepali citizenship,he said.