New Delhi

Launching a scathing attack on yoga guru Baba Ramdev, Indian Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram on Wednesday accused of eliciting full support of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and its front organisations in going ahead with his anti-corruption campaign.He said that Baba Ramdev’s Bharat Swabhiman Trust had got the support of the Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha (of the RSS) as well as that of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), student wing of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The Home Minister also cautioned the yoga guru against raising an armed wing, saying the law would firmly deal with it.

'Youth Against Corruption formed'

Giving details of the support extended by RSS front organisations to the yoga guru’s campaign, he said the government had taken note of the resolution passed by the Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha (of the RSS) on March 10-13, 2011 at Puttur, Karnataka.

He said the RSS had also formed an "Anti-Corruption Front’’ with Baba Ramdev as its patron and K. N. Govindacharya as its convenor; and the ABVP had decided on May 12 to float an organisation "Youth Against Corruption’’ and to coordinate with Baba Ramdev.

In support of his argument, he also referred to May 20 circular of Suresh Joshi of the RSS to all swayamsevaks to render all possible cooperation to Baba Ramdev’s campaign. He said that similar instructions were issued on May 28 by Ashok Singhal of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) to all VHP office-bearers.

It was for the first time that Mr. Chidambaram made a statement at a press conference here on the events since June 1 concerning the protest organised by Baba Ramdev.

An early warning

Asked about Ramdev's announcement that he would form an 11,000-strong force to deal with police and anti-social elements attempting to disrupt his movement, Mr. Chidambaram said that this showed his "true colours and true intention". He added: “Let him do that and the law will deal with it.’’

The Home Minister refused to reply to queries on allegations against Ramdev and his close aide Balkrishna saying “there will be another opportunity to answer these questions in future.”

He said the government representatives had engaged Baba Ramdev in talks between June 1 and 4 and on late evening of June 4 and it became clear that the yoga guru had gone back on his assurances and was determined to persist with his fast-unto-death programme.

"A decision was taken that Baba Ramdev would not be allowed to organise any protest or undertake any fast-unto-death at Ramlila ground and that if he persisted in his efforts to do so he would be directed to remove himself from Delhi,’’ Mr. Chidambaram said.

Defends crackdown

Defending the police action, he said the Delhi Police decided to enforce the decision to remove Baba Ramdev from Ramlila ground and when the order was served on him, he was obliged to obey the order and remove himself from Delhi. "On the contrary, he defied the order. What happened thereafter and how he defied the order have been captured on camera and is known to everybody,’’ he said.

The Home Minister said the Delhi Police has received a notice from the Supreme Court and would explain the events and the action taken in their affidavit. According to Delhi Police, there were over 20,000 persons at Ramlila ground on the night of June 4-5 when police action took place.

He said that 43 civilians were injured in the police action of whom 39 were discharged after first aid, two persons were treated for fractures and discharged. Two persons received serious injuries, both were operated upon, and one of them Sunil Kumar was stable and recovering. The other Ms. Rajbala was still under treatment for spinal injuries and continues to be in a critical state. "My heart goes out to her and to her family. Government has been in touch with her family and has promised the best medical treatment and assistance in every other way,’’ Mr. Chidambaram said.

Acknowledging that individuals and organisations have a right to protest peacefully in a democracy, the Home Minister said the police gives permission for peaceful protest after taking into account the overall law and order and security situation. He cited instances of the BJP being given permission for a satyagraha at Rajghat and Anna Hazare for a day-long fast. “A small spark can trigger a conflagration. Decisions to grant or refuse permission are taken by the police authorities,’’ Mr. Chidambaram said.

Keywords: Baba Ramdev protest, Ramlila crackdown