Trying to bring back those who have crossed the limit: Ramdev

“…Barring one or two issues,a consensus seems to be emerging between us and the government,” said the yoga guru,who held his first round of talks with senior ministers including Pranab Mukherjee who met him at the airport after his arrival here on June 1.

Addressing a gathering of more than 5,000 people who poured in here to join him in his satyagraha against corruption from tomorrow,Ramdev said his movement is being undertaken in “national interest” and is not sponsored by any political party.

“Our agitation is not against any political party or individual. We are neutral,

not being sponsored by any party or organisation and people from all castes and religion are joining us. We appeal to all parties to join us. We are erecting a special stage where representatives from all parties can come to put forth their point of view,” he said.

Flanked by leaders of various religions,he also tried to deflect criticism that he is crossing the tenets of yoga by taking up issue the of corruption. “I am not crossing the limits of yoga. Not lying and stealing is also part of yoga and I am trying to bring those who have crossed that limit back within the limit.”

In an apparent reference to suggestions that his movement is aimed at undermining Gandhian Anna Hazare’s agitation on the same issue,Ramdev said,”We do not want to show anyone as inferior or defeat anybody.”

Ramdev claimed his movement was aimed at bringing back the Rs 400 lakh crore black money stashed overseas and change the corrupt system. “Not all politicians,businessmen and officers are corrupt but those who are corrupt among them have created a black empire by looting people’s money. Some people have hijacked democracy and turned it into a corrupt system.”

Claiming there are many corrupt people like “Hasan Ali and A Raja” in the country,he said “Ravan of corruption will be killed in Ramlila Maidan” and maintained that there will “satyagraha against corruption in 624 villages” across the country from tomorrow.

The fight against corruption will not be easy as those who benefit from graft are powerful,he said,adding,”I am ready to fast for not only three days but for 30 days as we are doing it for the starving people in the country,” he said.

He demanded a public service delivery act under which government officials have to respond to any issue brought by common man within a time-frame,failing which they will be fined and repeated offenders will be suspended.

Apparently targeting his critics,Ramdev said,”Those on constitutional posts must have failed to some extent so that we are forced to take up these issues.”

He said there should be fast-track courts to try graft cases and those who have looted crores via corrupt practices should be given life term or death sentence.