Baba Ramdev begins fast against corruption

Agencies

New Delhi, 04 Jne 2011: Baba Ramdev launched his indefinite fast against corruption and blackmoney here this morning after the government failed to persuade him to call off his protest. 

 

The yoga guru began the protest along with thousands of his followers at the Ramlila maidan here as he was joined by Swami Sadhavi Ritambhara and other religious leaders from the Sikh, Jain and Muslim communities. 

 

Before launching the fast, Ramdev held a yoga and ’bhajan’ session during which he told the gathering that the protest was intended to save the country from corruption and ensure that the poor get a good life. 

 

"Nothing is impossible, everything is possible and we are not going to be defeated," the saffron-clad Baba seated on on an elevated platform, told the gathering, referring to bringing back of black money stashed in tax havens abroad. 

 

 

Ramdev arrived at the stage at around 0450 hrs today to a huge round of applause from his followers. 

 

Union ministers Kapil Sibal and Subodh Kant Sahay had held a marathon meeting yesterday with Ramdev to persuade him to not go ahead with his indefinite fast. However, the talks failed to reach any breakthrough with the yoga guru insisting that all his demands be met with completely. 

 

Ramdev reiterated that his fight was against black money and he would carry his campaign to its logical conclusion. He warned his followers against making any personal attacks on individuals and urged them to remain focussed on the issue. 

 

The yoga guru also hinted that there was a conspiracy against him, which he would reveal at a later stage. 

 

Ramdev announced to his supporters on Friday that the government had agreed on 90 per cent of his demands. 

 

There are indications that Ramdev may end his fast early.