New Delhi, June 11 (AGENCIES): With BJP stepping up its attack on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress president Sonia Gandhi, Sri Sri Ravishankar on Saturday reached out to Baba Ramdev and offering to be the government’s emissary. However government sources say that they are not willing to negotiate with Ramdev. This is the second time that Sri Sri Ravishankar has met Ramdev and appealed to end his fast.
“Baba Ramdev is not in a situation to speak. The issue is sensitive. If the govt wants me to do something, I will do it,” said Sri Sri Ravishankar. “I will conveince Baba Ramdev to break his fast. I am staying back in Dehradoon to convince Baba Ramdev to break his fast. I have requested Baba Ramdev to break his fast.
BJP insisted that it was UPA’s responsibility to ensure that Baba Ramdev end his fast. BJP spokesperson Nirmala Seetharaman said, “Its Congress’ attempt to label anyone who asks them uncomfortable questions about corruption and black money as an agent of RSS or BJP.” Union Law Minister Veerappa Moily clarified that he had not invited Sri Sri Ravishankar to negotiate on the government’s behalf. Moily said, “Sri Sri Ravishankar is not an emissary of the government. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar called me up expressing concerns about Baba Ramdev. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said he was going to Haridwar anyway and would meet Ramdev. Lokpal committee meeting is on 15th and the civil society will join.” If the govt thought that politics would soon die down once Ramdev left Delhi it hasn’t happened. Ramdev is determined to continue his fast.
“Baba Ramdev is not in a situation to speak. The issue is sensitive. If the govt wants me to do something, I will do it,” said Sri Sri Ravishankar. “I will conveince Baba Ramdev to break his fast. I am staying back in Dehradoon to convince Baba Ramdev to break his fast. I have requested Baba Ramdev to break his fast.
BJP insisted that it was UPA’s responsibility to ensure that Baba Ramdev end his fast. BJP spokesperson Nirmala Seetharaman said, “Its Congress’ attempt to label anyone who asks them uncomfortable questions about corruption and black money as an agent of RSS or BJP.” Union Law Minister Veerappa Moily clarified that he had not invited Sri Sri Ravishankar to negotiate on the government’s behalf. Moily said, “Sri Sri Ravishankar is not an emissary of the government. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar called me up expressing concerns about Baba Ramdev. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said he was going to Haridwar anyway and would meet Ramdev. Lokpal committee meeting is on 15th and the civil society will join.” If the govt thought that politics would soon die down once Ramdev left Delhi it hasn’t happened. Ramdev is determined to continue his fast.
