Ramdev poster equates Balkrishna with Mahatma Gandhi, Bhagat Singh, Subhash Chandra Bose, triggers controversy

A poster showing Ramdev's close aide Balkrishna alongside Mahatma Gandhi and other freedom fighters at his protest venue today triggered a controversy following which the yoga guru expressed regret.

The poster, which ran into trouble had Balkrishna's image along with that of Gandhi, Bhagat Singh, Subhash Chandra Bose and other freedom fighters.

As soon as TV channels ran a news story about the controversial posters, the organisers suddenly removed it from the protest venue at Ramlila Maidan. The removal of posters came before Ramdev arrived at the dais.

"We regret this. I urge activists not to carry such posters. Attention should not be diverted from the core issue," Ramdev said.

Balkrishna is in CBI custody in connection with a fake document case.

Commenting on the poster, RLD MP Jayant Chaudhary said that such a depiction could raise questions as to what that person had done to deserve such an honour.

"As far as the question of freedom fighters is concerned, it can also be seen as a slight, if you add some person in the same series....what has been the contribution of this person and their history?" Chaudhary said.

Posters of Ramdev's aide raises questions on his contributions

Commenting on the portrayal of Ramdev close aide Balkrishna's photo on posters alongside pictures of freedom fighters, RLD MP Jayant Chaudhary today said that such a depiction could raise questions as to what he had done to deserve such an honour.

"As far as the question of freedom fighters is concerned, it can also be seen as a slight if you add some person in the same series...what has been the contribution of this person and to history?" Chaudhary said speaking to reporters here.

Chaudhary was responding to a question for his view on the depiction of Balakrishna's picture alongside freedom fighters seen at the Ram Lila ground, the current venue of Baba Ramdev's protest against black money.

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