M A I N   N E W S

Ramdev extends fast, threatens big stir if black money not brought back
Himani Chandel/TNS

New Delhi, August 12
Yoga guru Baba Ramdev on Sunday warned of a “big revolution” if the government did not meet his demands for announcing immediate steps to bring back black money, enactment of a strong Lokpal and measures to end corruption.

As his fast entered the fourth day, Ramdev said a fresh letter has been written to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, urging him to take cognisance of his demands.

“We wrote to you (Singh) earlier regarding the issue. We have now sent you a fresh letter. We will wait till this evening. If there is no decisive action, there will be a big revolution from tomorrow,” he said.

Apart from demanding that the Indian money lying abroad be declared as national property and brought back, Ramdev is also batting for a stronger Lokpal Bill. Other demands include a transparent process in naming heads of the Central Bureau of Investigation and the Election Commission.

Ramdev also sought to attack the Congress saying though he was not singling out the party on the issue of black money, it had ruled the country for most of the time after Independence and, hence, it had to take responsibility.

“We are not here to tarnish anybody. But what is the danger that the Congress perceives in bringing back black money or declaring it national asset, if they do not own it?,” Ramdev said while addressing his supporters at Ramlila Maidan here. He said the fast, which was to end last evening, was continuing.

"Till a decision on our demands are not taken, I am ready to continue by fast. The fast will not end today. When it will end, I will tell you tomorrow," he said.

soldier & the sadhu

New Delhi: Former Army Chief VK Singh on Sunday joined yoga guru Ramdev's protest, dubbing the government as a "property dealer" which takes over farmers' land in the name of development. Earlier this month, the retired General had appeared at Jantar Mantar on the last day of Hazare's fast.