12 years ago
Former Karnataka Lokayukta N Santosh Hegde, who was closely associated with now disbanded Team Anna, feels Baba Ramdev's agitation on black money and graft issues may re-energise the anti-corruption movement and says it might cause electoral damage to the Congress.
Baba Ramdev ends fast with juice, attack on Congress and PM Yoga icon Baba Ramdev left Delhi very much on his own terms this afternoon after keeping the police waiting overnight, winning the endorsement of all political parties except the Congress, and serving notice to the Prime Minister and his party about his plans to ensure they lose the next election.
Baba Ramdev has left the Ambedkar Stadium. He is reportedly headed to the airport with a police escort.
After ending his fast, Baba Ramdev will go to Haridwar. Officials from the Delhi Police will escort him to Uttar Pradesh border.
Baba Ramdev ends fast with a glass of juice given to him by two children.
Baba Ramdev speaks:
- The people are the real strength of a revolution.
- This Central government has lost the confidence of the people
- Mulayam Singh, Mayawati, NCP have supported my campaign against black money. Take these parties out and the government will collapse.
- If there would have been a vote on black money yesterday in parliament, this govt would have to go yesterday itself
- Mr Prime Minister, tomorrow is Independence Day. If you don't speak on black money and corruption, then you are as guilty as those who are corrupt.
- We are leaving not because we have lost, but because we have won
- We are not beggars, we are asking for the rights of our country. And if we don't get it, we will fight for it
- We haven't asked for a separate country, we haven't even asked for a village like the Pandavas. We have just asked for our rights
- If we'd wanted we could have stopped the Prime Minister from hoisting the flag on Independence Day.
- The Congress has written its name on the top of the list of corrupt
- Take an oath from here and go that no member of this corrupt party should be in the government. "Congress hatao, desh bachao."
- Home Ministers are very nice but the 'maalkin' sitting above them, she keeps making them say something or the other.
- We will vacate the stadium, leave for Haridwar and take a dip in the Ganga
- We will keep fighting. I thank all our supporters and workers present here
Ram Jethmalani speaks:
- Swami Ramdev is my partner in searching for people involved in black money and corruption
- He is working for the people of this country
- I have forgotten my surya namaskar these days, this is my surya namaskar now
- I want that surya which shines light on the dark areas of this country and helps remove poverty and corruption
A Delhi Police officer is on stage with Baba Ramdev. He has requested the gathered crowds to leave the stadium, citing security concerns in view of Independence Day tomorrow.
Baba Ramdev is seen speaking to his followers at the Ambedkar stadium. Senior lawyer and Rajya Sabha BJP MP Ram Jethmalani are on stage with Baba Ramdev.
In less than an hour, Baba Ramdev will announce his new strategy. Here's the story so far:
1. Baba Ramdev has reportedly promised the Delhi Police that he will leave the Ambedkar stadium and head to Haridwar soon after he ends his six-day fast this morning. The yoga guru and about 5000 supporters defied a police request and spent the night at the stadium.
2. There were reports earlier that the Baba might refuse to budge yet as he wanted to hoist the national flag at the Ambedkar stadium tomorrow.
3. The government, sources say, has decided to just not get provoked by Baba Ramdev's moves, including the refusal so far to leave the Ambedkar stadium. They have been counting on his supporters getting tired and on the fact that access to food, water and toilets is a problem at the stadium.
4. The Delhi Police is treading cautiously. It has instructions not to let a repeat of the midnight swoop fiasco of June last year or even the botched-up Anna Hazare arrest episode of August 2011 happen.
5. The Delhi administration is nervous because the Ambedkar stadium in Central Delhi is in a high security zone of the capital and with Independence Day less than 24 hours away, the safety of the thousands of supporters who have assembled in support of Baba Ramdev has become a big concern.
6. While Baba Ramdev campaigns against black money, income tax officials are scrutinizing the financial details of the Patanjali Yoga Trust and Divya Yog Mandir Trust he runs, for alleged tax evasion.
7. Politicians came out in support of Baba Ramdev yesterday, isolating the Congress. At his camp in the morning, BJP president Nitin Gadkari and Sharad Yadav provided a VIP touch. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar also lent his considerable credibility to the Baba's cause. Mulayam Singh Yadav and Mayawati, leaders of the two major parties in Uttar Pradesh, both said the issue of black money is worth attention and scrutiny.
8. Along with the major political leaders, Arvind Kejriwal of the recently disbanded Team Anna also showed his support. He tweeted, "We support Swami Ramdev's agitation and issues raised by him. Urge people to support his cause.They r neck deep in corruption n their support is mere opportunism (sic)."
9. Yesterday, Baba Ramdev and thousands of his supporters were detained when they tried to march to Parliament. They were brought to Ambedkar stadium; they were released by the Delhi Police at 7.50 pm, but they refused to leave stadium. "Will we go?" asked Baba Ramdev. "No," they shouted back. Baba Ramdev demanded that the government must provide food and water to everyone inside the stadium as it was a "temporary jail".
10. Last year, Baba Ramdev's camp at Ramlila Maidan was packed to capacity, when the police charged in at midnight to force the camp to disband. Many people were injured. The Supreme Court blamed both the Delhi Police and the charismatic guru for risking the safety of thousands.
1. Baba Ramdev has reportedly promised the Delhi Police that he will leave the Ambedkar stadium and head to Haridwar soon after he ends his six-day fast this morning. The yoga guru and about 5000 supporters defied a police request and spent the night at the stadium.
2. There were reports earlier that the Baba might refuse to budge yet as he wanted to hoist the national flag at the Ambedkar stadium tomorrow.
3. The government, sources say, has decided to just not get provoked by Baba Ramdev's moves, including the refusal so far to leave the Ambedkar stadium. They have been counting on his supporters getting tired and on the fact that access to food, water and toilets is a problem at the stadium.
4. The Delhi Police is treading cautiously. It has instructions not to let a repeat of the midnight swoop fiasco of June last year or even the botched-up Anna Hazare arrest episode of August 2011 happen.
5. The Delhi administration is nervous because the Ambedkar stadium in Central Delhi is in a high security zone of the capital and with Independence Day less than 24 hours away, the safety of the thousands of supporters who have assembled in support of Baba Ramdev has become a big concern.
6. While Baba Ramdev campaigns against black money, income tax officials are scrutinizing the financial details of the Patanjali Yoga Trust and Divya Yog Mandir Trust he runs, for alleged tax evasion.
7. Politicians came out in support of Baba Ramdev yesterday, isolating the Congress. At his camp in the morning, BJP president Nitin Gadkari and Sharad Yadav provided a VIP touch. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar also lent his considerable credibility to the Baba's cause. Mulayam Singh Yadav and Mayawati, leaders of the two major parties in Uttar Pradesh, both said the issue of black money is worth attention and scrutiny.
8. Along with the major political leaders, Arvind Kejriwal of the recently disbanded Team Anna also showed his support. He tweeted, "We support Swami Ramdev's agitation and issues raised by him. Urge people to support his cause.They r neck deep in corruption n their support is mere opportunism (sic)."
9. Yesterday, Baba Ramdev and thousands of his supporters were detained when they tried to march to Parliament. They were brought to Ambedkar stadium; they were released by the Delhi Police at 7.50 pm, but they refused to leave stadium. "Will we go?" asked Baba Ramdev. "No," they shouted back. Baba Ramdev demanded that the government must provide food and water to everyone inside the stadium as it was a "temporary jail".
10. Last year, Baba Ramdev's camp at Ramlila Maidan was packed to capacity, when the police charged in at midnight to force the camp to disband. Many people were injured. The Supreme Court blamed both the Delhi Police and the charismatic guru for risking the safety of thousands.
Baba Ramdev has assured the security agencies that he and his supporters will leave the Ambedkar Stadium soon. This will come as a huge relief for the Delhi Police. The Ambedkar Stadium, in Central Delhi, is in the high security zone of the capital and with Independence Day less than 24 hours away, safety of the thousands of supporters, who have assembled in support of Baba Ramdev, had become a big concern for the authorities.
Baba Ramdev to end his fast at 11 am; sources say he may leave for Haridwar after breaking his fast.
A supporter a Baba Ramdev cap at the Ambedkar Stadium on Tuesday morning
Next big movement before Lok Sabha elections: Baba RamdevSources say the yoga guru wants to keep up pressure on the government and that the next big movement will be announced before next year's Lok Sabha elections. Meanwhile, the BJP is likely to raise the issue of black money in Parliament today.
Baba Ramdev's announcement is expected around 11 am today.
After defying the request of the Delhi Police and spending the night at Delhi's Ambedkar Stadium, Baba Ramdev will monitor today's proceedings in Parliament closely and then announce his strategy, say sources.
Baba Ramdev will spend night at Ambedkar Stadium, police on guard At a stadium in central Delhi near Ferozeshah Kotla, Baba Ramdev and thousands of his supporters are refusing to return home. They were arrested and taken there earlier today while protesting against black money and corruption.
NEWS UPDATE
Police sources to NDTV: Baba Ramdev and 5000 supporters to spend the night in Ambedkar Stadium. They will not be asked to move before morning.
Police sources to NDTV: Baba Ramdev and 5000 supporters to spend the night in Ambedkar Stadium. They will not be asked to move before morning.
Baba Ramdev, supporters to stay at the Ambedkar stadium.
Baba Ramdev says 'No question of vacating stadium tonight. We will reveal our strategy tomorrow.'
Baba Ramdev says 'No question of vacating stadium tonight. We will reveal our strategy tomorrow.'
Baba Ramdev Arrested, Released and still at Ambedkar Stadium
The story so far...
1. Baba Ramdev who was released by the Delhi Police at 7:50 this evening, refused to leave Ambedkar Stadium, which had been turned into a holding pen of sorts for the yoga guru and his supporters. At 7.30 pm, there were over 8000 people there. The police told them they were all free to leave. "Will we go?" asked Baba Ramdev. "No,"they shouted back. Baba Ramdev demanded that the government must provide food and water to everyone inside the stadium as it was a 'temporary jail'.
2. Baba Ramdev was arrested at around 2 pm while marching to Parliament. He , and 300 of his supporters, were stopped at the Ranjit Singh flyover, half a kilometre from Ramlila Maidan, where the yoga guru had been on a hunger strike for five days.
3. "Congress hatao, desh bachao (remove the Congress Party and save the nation)," he said at the start of his "protest" walk in the afternoon with thousands of supporters as opposition political leadership rushed to be seen near him. "There is a Gangotri (fount) of corruption flowing through that one party," he said on top of his bus to NDTV. "We will make sure they lose."
4. Political support was offered at his camp this morning by BJP president Nitin Gadkari, and Sharad Yadav of the JD(U). Both pledged their parties' support to the yoga icon. The BJP also protested against black money in Parliament today, resulting in the adjournment of the Lok Sabha.
5. The Congress spokesman called the rally "a political stunt". The Congress spokesperson Janardhan Dwivedi said the Finance Minister has already explained in Parliament how the government plans to combat black money.
6. It took the police five hours to move Baba Ramdev through the 3-4 kilometres from the flyover where he was arrested to Ambedkar Stadium in central Delhi.
7. Baba Ramdev had not sought police permission to march towards Parliament. He had been authorised only to hold a large sit-in at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan.
8. When he started that camp five days ago, he declared he would not target a political party or personality. That changed dramatically today. He called for the dismissal of the Congress-led government for its alleged inability and disinterest in recovering crores of black money.
9. Baba Ramdev has been demanding a robust ombudsman law to keep checks on government, a strong and independent Central Bureau of Investigation and efforts to act against tax evasion and illegal money sent to banks abroad.
10. Last year, Ramlila Maidan was packed to capacity, when the police charged in at midnight to force the camp to disband. Many people were injured. The Supreme Court blamed both the Delhi Police and the charismatic guru for risking the safety of thousands.
The story so far...
1. Baba Ramdev who was released by the Delhi Police at 7:50 this evening, refused to leave Ambedkar Stadium, which had been turned into a holding pen of sorts for the yoga guru and his supporters. At 7.30 pm, there were over 8000 people there. The police told them they were all free to leave. "Will we go?" asked Baba Ramdev. "No,"they shouted back. Baba Ramdev demanded that the government must provide food and water to everyone inside the stadium as it was a 'temporary jail'.
2. Baba Ramdev was arrested at around 2 pm while marching to Parliament. He , and 300 of his supporters, were stopped at the Ranjit Singh flyover, half a kilometre from Ramlila Maidan, where the yoga guru had been on a hunger strike for five days.
3. "Congress hatao, desh bachao (remove the Congress Party and save the nation)," he said at the start of his "protest" walk in the afternoon with thousands of supporters as opposition political leadership rushed to be seen near him. "There is a Gangotri (fount) of corruption flowing through that one party," he said on top of his bus to NDTV. "We will make sure they lose."
4. Political support was offered at his camp this morning by BJP president Nitin Gadkari, and Sharad Yadav of the JD(U). Both pledged their parties' support to the yoga icon. The BJP also protested against black money in Parliament today, resulting in the adjournment of the Lok Sabha.
5. The Congress spokesman called the rally "a political stunt". The Congress spokesperson Janardhan Dwivedi said the Finance Minister has already explained in Parliament how the government plans to combat black money.
6. It took the police five hours to move Baba Ramdev through the 3-4 kilometres from the flyover where he was arrested to Ambedkar Stadium in central Delhi.
7. Baba Ramdev had not sought police permission to march towards Parliament. He had been authorised only to hold a large sit-in at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan.
8. When he started that camp five days ago, he declared he would not target a political party or personality. That changed dramatically today. He called for the dismissal of the Congress-led government for its alleged inability and disinterest in recovering crores of black money.
9. Baba Ramdev has been demanding a robust ombudsman law to keep checks on government, a strong and independent Central Bureau of Investigation and efforts to act against tax evasion and illegal money sent to banks abroad.
10. Last year, Ramlila Maidan was packed to capacity, when the police charged in at midnight to force the camp to disband. Many people were injured. The Supreme Court blamed both the Delhi Police and the charismatic guru for risking the safety of thousands.
The Delhi Police have asked commuters to avoid ITO, Indraprastha Marg, Tilak Marg, Sikandara Marg, Delhi Gate, Jawharlal Nehru Marg due to the agitation by Baba Ramdev and his supporters.
Commuters advised to use the Bhairon Singh Marg and the Ring Road instead.
Commuters advised to use the Bhairon Singh Marg and the Ring Road instead.
NDTV's Sandeep Phukan reports that a senior minister in the government who did not want to be named said that the government will not talk to Baba Ramdev and that the Delhi Police was competent enough to handle the situation.
NEWS UPDATE
Baba Ramdev is meeting senior police officers. Delhi Police keen to ensure that his supporters disburse peacefully.
Baba Ramdev is meeting senior police officers. Delhi Police keen to ensure that his supporters disburse peacefully.
Baba Ramdev asks the crowd "Will you leave?" The crowd shouts, "No."
Yoga guru Baba Ramdev and his supporters let off by Delhi PoliceNearly six hours after yoga guru Baba Ramdev was detained along with nearly 8000 supporters as he headed towards Parliament in a protest against corruption, the police has set the yoga icon and his supporters free.
Baba Ramdeva addresses the crowd after being set free
- Whose responsibility is it to feed the people here?( crowd: Government's)
- This government does not love the people and a government that doesn't love its people has no right to rule.
- On terrorists this government is willing to spend Rs 25 crores.
- Any movement is victorious if the people support it
- And the people are with this movement
- Mulayam Singh, Mayawati, Naveen Patnaik, all NDA parties and BJP support our movement
Baba Ramdev's supporters refuse to leave Ambedkar Stadium.
NEWS UPDATE
Delhi Police lets off supporters of Baba Ramdev.
Devesh Srivastava, Additional Commissioner of Police, was heard saying, "All those detained are free to go now."
Delhi Police lets off supporters of Baba Ramdev.
Devesh Srivastava, Additional Commissioner of Police, was heard saying, "All those detained are free to go now."
Police sources say that around 8000 supporters of Baba Ramdev have been detained at the Ambedkar stadium.
NEWS UPDATE
Police sources say while his supporters may be released soon, Baba Ramdev himself will be detained till further orders.
Police sources say while his supporters may be released soon, Baba Ramdev himself will be detained till further orders.
For surfers who've just joined us... here a quick 10-point recap of one of the biggest news stories of the day
Yoga guru Baba Ramdev was arrested as he headed towards Parliament in a protest against corruption. He was surrounded by supporters, and was bussed away to the Ambedkar Stadium in Daryaganj. Rain, traffic and swelling crowds meant that it took the convoy of buses over 5 hours to traverse a distance of just 3-4 kilometres.
Yoga guru Baba Ramdev was arrested as he headed towards Parliament in a protest against corruption. He was surrounded by supporters, and was bussed away to the Ambedkar Stadium in Daryaganj. Rain, traffic and swelling crowds meant that it took the convoy of buses over 5 hours to traverse a distance of just 3-4 kilometres.
The police had initially planned to detain the yoga guru and 200 of his supporters at the Rajiv Gandhi stadium at Bawana in North-West Delhi. But they had to change plans after the convoy slowed down. The traffic situation went out of hand after rains and the huge crowds. Baba Ramdev was consulted and Ambedkar Stadium in nearby Daryaganj was chosen as an alternative location.
Baba Ramdev was perched on top of a vehicle moving slowly towards Parliament to allow his supporters on foot to keep pace. They were stopped at the Ranjit Singh Flyover, half a kilometre from Ramlila Maidan, where the yoga guru had been on a hunger strike for five days.
A Delhi Police constable climbed on top of the vehicle and placed his hand on the yoga teacher's arm to show Baba Ramdev was under arrest.
Baba Ramdev was carrying a national flag and was wearing a black band on his arm and across his forehead, like many of his supporters, in signal of their protest.
As he was being led away in a bus, Baba Ramdev, with his torso poking out of a window, said. "We will continue to fight this government... that is our strategy now." Hitting out at the Congress, he said, "This party has become a river of corruption and they have mines of black money. If that black money is recovered, this country will be heaven. But no one is willing to listen. We will tell people not only to defeat the Congress but also which candidates to vote for."
Baba Ramdev had not sought police permission to march towards Parliament. He had been authorised only to hold a large sit-in at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan.
When he started that camp five days ago, he declared he would not target a political party or personality. That changed dramatically today. He called for the dismissal of the Congress-led government for its alleged inability and disinterest in recovering crores of black money.
Political support was offered at his camp this morning by BJP president Nitin Gadkari, and Sharad Yadav of the JD(U). Both pledged their parties' support to the yoga icon.
The BJP also protested against black money in Parliament today, resulting in the adjournment of the Lok Sabha. The government has refused to engage with Baba Ramdev. The Congress spokesperson Janardhan Dwivedi said the Finance Minister has already explained in Parliament how the government plans to combat black money.
Last year, Ramlila Maidan was packed to capacity, when the police charged in at midnight to force the camp to disband. Many people were injured. The Supreme Court blamed both the Delhi Police and the charismatic guru for risking the safety of thousands.
NDTV's Tanima Biswas reports over 7000 supporters to be accomodated at the Ambedkar Stadium
This party (Congress) has become a river of corruption: Baba RamdevBaba Ramdev spoke to NDTV from the top of the bus in which he was being taken to his makeshift jail, and here is what he had to say...
- This party has become a river of corruption and they have mines of black money. If that black money is recovered, this country will be heaven. But no one is willing to listen.
- We will tell people not only to defeat the Congress but also which candidates to vote for.
- Our plan is to save the country and end corruption. We have no political platform. We will fight from an ethical platform.
- I have neither eaten nor bathed for 5 days
Ambedkar Stadium: The new makeshift prison
Baba Ramdev's bus is still en route to the Ambedkar Stadium. Some buses carrying supporters have already arrived.
A few supporters who had already been taken to the Bawana stadium are also being shifted.
Baba Ramdev's bus is still en route to the Ambedkar Stadium. Some buses carrying supporters have already arrived.
A few supporters who had already been taken to the Bawana stadium are also being shifted.
Ambedkar Stadium's location, at the heart of Delhi, near Daryaganj and right next to the Feroz Shah Kotla Cricket stadium, will make arrangements vis-a-vis security and logistics, more difficult, as compared to Bawana.
NDTV's Tanima Biswas reports:
Police had to change plans after the convoy slowed down. The traffic situation went out of hand after rains and the huge crowds. Baba Ramdev was consulted and Ambedkar Stadium was chosen as an alternative location.
Police had to change plans after the convoy slowed down. The traffic situation went out of hand after rains and the huge crowds. Baba Ramdev was consulted and Ambedkar Stadium was chosen as an alternative location.
NEWS UPDATE
Baba Ramdev and his supporters being taken to the Ambedkar Stadium and not the stadium at Bawana
Baba Ramdev and his supporters being taken to the Ambedkar Stadium and not the stadium at Bawana
The room where Baba Ramdev will stay looks nothing like a jail. It has marble floors, a split air conditioner and a TV. It also has a work area with an office table and a few chairs.
Baba Ramdev and his supporters are expected to be housed in the stadium for at least one day.
Baba Ramdev and his supporters are expected to be housed in the stadium for at least one day.
NEWS UPDATE
NDTV's Tanima Biswas reports -
NDTV's Tanima Biswas reports -
- An air-conditioned room with a TV to accommodate Baba Ramdev and about 200 supporters. There are arrangements for food and refreshments for everyone.
- Around 60 buses expected at the Bawana stadium carrying 50 people each.
- The Rajiv Gandhi Stadium can accommodate around 10,000 people.
Baba Ramdev Arrested
Baba Ramdev, supporters inside a bus
Congress dismisses Ramdev's protest:
Janardhan Dwivedi says, "We did not say anything because we cannot speak their language or act like them. The whole country today saw the real faces behind this."
Janardhan Dwivedi says, "We did not say anything because we cannot speak their language or act like them. The whole country today saw the real faces behind this."
Neerja Chowdhary, a senior journalist says Anna and Baba Ramdev has created an atmosphere against the Congress-led UPA government. She says the government was caught napping - it had no idea so many people would begin a march...
Baba Ramdev has already been taken to Bawana.. the last of the buses with those taken into preventive detention leaving from the Ranjit Singh flyover for Bawana.
Nitish Kumar: Each party or outfit has its own programme. Everyone has a right to express their opinion, whether it is Anna Hazare or Baba Ramdev. They are also serving the nation, in their own way
Mayawati refuses to comment on Baba Ramdev's protest, says 'all parties must rise above partisan politics and work together to address the issues of corruption and black money.'
Bawana is on the north-west edge of Delhi. The police is likely to release most of the supporters taken in to preventive custody from there. They are likely to be released later this evening. From Bawana, it will be difficult for them to congregate near the city centre again.
From inside one of the DTC buses, Baba Ramdev say, "We will continue to fight this government... that is our strategy now..."
The buses in which the Delhi Police is taking Baba and his supporters to Bawana are still at the Ranjit Singh flyover, reports Alok Pandey.
NDTV's Alok Pandey who is at the Ranjit Singh flyover says the situation there is really quite fluid.
Delhi Police stops Baba Ramdev's marchThe Delhi Police has stopped Baba Ramdev's protest towards Parliament near the Ranjit Singh flyover. The yoga guru began his march towards Parliament from the camp at Ramlila Maidan, just four kms away, where he has been on a hunger strike against corruption.
The Delhi police has taken Baba Ramdev into preventive custody. The yoga guru and his supporters will be taken to a makeshift jail in a stadium in Bawana, north-west Delhi.
NEWS UPDATE
Baba Ramdev arrested en route to Parliament. Thousands of his supporters court arrest.
Baba Ramdev arrested en route to Parliament. Thousands of his supporters court arrest.
Baba Ramdev taken away by a policeman as he addresses his supporters
- We had decided that we would make the govt hear our voices by a hunger strike
- We were marching peacefully, now the police has stopped us.
- We respect the law
- The Delhi Police has to listen to the govt, they are puppets
- Congress' hand is not with us; these cops now say they'll take me away
Baba Ramdev is on top of a vehicle ready to address his supporters. He has a microphone in his hand. He is trying to get the crowds to calm down...
Some of Baba Ramdev's supporters being taken into the waiting buses. The Delhi Police has set up a makeshift jail at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium at Bawana.
Baba Ramdev stopped at the Ranjit Flyover, a short distance away from the Ramlila Maidan
NEWS UPDATE
Delhi Police stops Baba Ramdev's march to Parliament
Delhi Police stops Baba Ramdev's march to Parliament
Baba Ramdev leads the march to Parliament
In June last year, the Delhi Police had swooped down on a Baba Ramdev rally at Ramlila Maidan. It was midnight, but his supporters put up resistance and one supporter, a woman, was killed in the clashes. The police came in for a lot of flak for its action. This time the Delhi Police is being very cautious.
Baba Ramdev, in his trademark red robes and a black band of protest on his forehead, is standing atop a vehicle moving slowly to keep pace with the many supporters of the yoga guru carrying many Indian flags as they march. Baba Ramdev is holding a flag too.
There is huge police presence also at the Ranjit Singh flyover, about half a km away from the Ramlila Maidan. Barricades have been put up at the flyover. Big buses are on the ready to take away protesters to the Rajiv Gandhi stadium in Bawana if they court arrest.
Baba Ramdev has declared that he will end his five-day fast in jail; if he does court arrest with his supporters, they will be taken to the Rajiv Gandhi stadium in North West Delhi that has been prepared as a make-shift jail for a large number of people.
There is huge police presence at the Ramlila grounds. Police sources have said the protestors will be allowed to march only a small distance. If they don't stop, Baba Ramdev and his supporters might be arrested at the Ranjit flyover, the sources say.
Baba Ramdev has left the massive stage erected for his hungerstrike at the Ramlila Ground to begin his march to Parliament.
Baba Ramdev ignored by government, but Gadkari, Sharad Yadav pay tribute | NDTV.comSenior politicians Nitin Gadkari and Sharad Yadav gave VIP presence to yoga guru Baba Ramdev's protest camp in Delhi today, organised as a war-cry against corruption.
Nitin Gadkari speaks at Ramlila Maidan:
Baba Ramdev has no political intention. What is wrong in saying that bring back black money. Is it a crime?
Why is it taking so long to bring back black money? Look at the condition of our economy. We were dreaming of a 12 per cent growth rate, what we have is a five per cent growth rate. There is no economic growth, farmers are committing suicides. Look at the state of the country.
We are a rich nation with a poor population.
If black money comes back, it can be used for the betterment of the farmers, it can be used for the economy.
Tihar Jail should have all rooms equipped with ACs because those roaming the Central Hall of Parliament will head there.
The CBI has become the 'Congress Bureau of Investigation'.
I am with Baba Ramdev and his movement. This movement is for the future of our country. On the behalf of the BJP, I pledge full support. I have told Baba Ramdev -- We are with you.
I spoke with Sushma Swaraj and Arun Jaitley today regarding this agitation and they have also extended their support to this agitation.
We have stopped work in both the houses of Parliament today as the Government was not able answer questions pertaining to corruption and Black money.
2G Spectrum scam, Commonwealth Games Scam - who is responsible? The files were signed by cabinet secretariat, PMO, Finance Ministry - only to blame only Raja or Kalmadi is not fair.
Why is the PM or Mr Chidambaram not responsible?
Sharad Yadav speaks at Ramlila Maidan: Why can't anybody see the honest politicians around? Why are we not moving ahead as a country? Only because a few people are holding the wealth of the nation.
We will definitely clean up Parliament. We are with you. Make the CBI an independent body. That will end corruption. The Lokpal Bill will not. Anna Hazare was a good man, he was a simple man, but people from Delhi misguided him.
Nitin Gadkari, Baba Ramdev and Sharad Yadav at Ramlila Maidan
In consonance with the top leaders visiting Baba Ramdev at the Ramlila Maidan, the BJP brought up the black money issue in Parliament and forced adjournment.
Bringing back black money stashed away in foreign countries is the chief point on Baba Ramdev's anti-corruption agenda. It has also been an important point in the BJP's anti-corruption attack on the UPA government.
Bringing back black money stashed away in foreign countries is the chief point on Baba Ramdev's anti-corruption agenda. It has also been an important point in the BJP's anti-corruption attack on the UPA government.
Baba Ramdev's fast is in its fifth day now. The presence of the NDA leaders is being seen as an attempt to offer the charismatic guru an exit route from a rally that has failed to generate heat or much public interest.
BJP leader Nitin Gadkari and Janata Dal (United) leader Sharad Yadav have reached Ramlila ground. They are on stage and are expected to request Baba Ramdev to call off his fast.
Police to stop Baba Ramdev from marching to Parliament, say sources | NDTV.comBaba Ramdev is expected to urge his supporters to march towards Parliament today from their sit-in camp at Delhi's Ram Lila Maidan. Sources in the police say they will stop the yoga icon and others after they've walked a short distance. A stadium nearby is being prepared as a make-shift jail.
Political power at Baba Ramdev's protest: Janata Dal chief Subramanian Swamy is at the venue. Sources says BJP chief Nitin Gadkari and JD(U) chief Sharad Yadav may also join in later.
Baba Ramdev addresses supporters, says:
- You can defeat one Ramdev but how will you defeat thousands and lakhs of Ramdev?
- We will have a peaceful march towards Parliament. We Respect Parliament and the honest Parliamentarians. We are not terrorists.
- We never wanted to take this step to go and protest outside Parliament. However, it is the government's apathy which has forced us.
- We will follow the principles of non-violence and expect the police also not to use force against us.
Baba Ramdev at Ramlila Grounds:
- This is going to a long and a tough fight .
- This great revolution has to be led by the youth as they have a lot of anger against the policies of the government.
- This government has only encouraged corruption and Black money
- Would like to thank the Media for the fair coverage
Police sources said that the yoga guru will be allowed to cover a short distance, and then he and his supporters will be arrested if they insist of carrying on their march towards Parliament, the sources said.
Will Baba Ramdev be arrested today? Police sources say that the yoga guru and his supporters will be arrested if they take out a march towards Parliament.
Baba Ramdev expected to announce strategy today | NDTV.comYoga guru Baba Ramdev is expected to make a 'big announcement' on his next course of action today after four days of hunger strike. "Tomorrow there will be an announcement on the big revolution to be staged in the country.
Defending his attack on the Congress, Baba Ramdev said the party is responsible for what happened to the country as it was in power for a long period and cannot escape responsibility.
After sharing dais with Anna Hazare, former Army Chief V K Singh joined yoga guru Ramdev's protests on Sunday, dubbing the government as a "property dealer" which takes over farmers' land in the name of development. General Singh's participation in the protests came two months after he retired from service during which he had taken on the government on his age issue.
Baba Ramdev threatens government, says will be first to go to jail if requiredYoga guru Baba Ramdev, who is on a fast at Delhi's Ramlila Ground demanding immediate steps to bring back black money, has warned the government that he is ready to be the first one to be arrested if required, and will go to jail if needed. He told his supporters that he would announce the next agenda for his movement tomorrow. "There will be a revolution and all of you need to stay here tonight as well," he said.
Baba Ramdev intensifies agitation, threatens revolution if Centre doesn't actIntensifying his agitation against black money, yoga guru Baba Ramdev today has set a fresh deadline for the Centre to act on his demands. Putting onus on the Prime Minister, he said Manmohan Singh should intervene by this evening. He has threatened to launch 'revolution' if the government fails to act by the deadline set by him.
Speaking again to his supporters in the evening, Baba Ramdev announced, that the next stage of the movement would be decided tomorrow at 11 am.
He also said that former Army chief General VK Singh would join him on stage tomorrow to express solidarity with the movement.
He also said that former Army chief General VK Singh would join him on stage tomorrow to express solidarity with the movement.
Baba Ramdev threatens intensify agitation against governmentYoga guru Baba Ramdev has threatened to intensify his agitation against the government if his demands on black money and Lokpal bill are not met by the deadline set by him. He will end his three-day fast today.
Baba Ramdev has set an ultimatum for the Centre and has threatened to intensify his agitation if the government does not look into the demands made by the yoga guru. Here's what Baba Ramdev said at Ramilila Maidan on Saturday morning:
- Our principles will not change, but our strategy needs to change according to the time.
- Today evening we will decide the next step in our movement. If the government does not look into our demands we will go ahead with our movement full steam.
Baba Ramdev: They say Baba's andolan is a flop. 40,000 people have braved heat and rain; slept on wet ground. If this a flop show, then I want to know what is a successful campaign.
Day 2: Baba Ramdev addresses the crowd
- The government officials, Ministers, MPs live off our money. We pay out taxes
- We've given the government seven suggestions to implement and bring back 'black money' to India.
- The government has admitted it has 36,000 pieces of information
- This information pertains to 9,900 foreign transactions
- They sometimes say there are 700 names, sometimes they claim there are 900 names...
- Even if there are minor differences, we will be happy if a consensus is reached and a strong Lokpal Bill is passed.
- We have given our agenda.
- Now it's time for all political parties to take a stand.
- We will not leave till they take a stand.
- The UPA needs to tell the country what their stand is on corruption.
- We have given them time till tomorrow.
Baba Ramdev: We never said pass the government Lokpal, we asked for a strong Lokpal, and to find consensus on it.
Baba Ramdev: If there were Olympic medals to be given out for corruption, India would get bronze, silver and gold.
Baba Ramdev: Neither have any of the scams been properly investigated, neither has the wealth been recovered, nor has anyone been properly prosecuted.
"There will be a Janmashtami program today here at Ramlila at 7 pm," says Baba Ramdev.
Baba Ramdev began his day with Yoga.
He has offered to train volunteers in his Haridwar Ashram so that they can go on a longer hunger strike.
He has offered to train volunteers in his Haridwar Ashram so that they can go on a longer hunger strike.
Baba Ramdev reiterates that black money should be brought back to the country. "If the 20,000 lakh crore is brought back to the country a lot will be taken care of," he says.
Day 2 of Baba Ramdev's fast, nearly 8,000 people at Ramlila Maidan.
Baba Ramdev: Movement here to stay for next 50 yearsHe may have announced a three-day fast as part of his campaign against black money, but yoga guru Baba Ramdev says the movement is here to stay at least for the next 50 years.
Baba Ramdev's protest: Star power, aloo-puri and 20,000 attendees On the first day of his protest camp at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan, 20,000 people gathered to support Baba Ramdev, establishing the yoga guru's star power. Many of the people in the audience travelled thousands of miles by bus or train. Indian flags were waved by young children. He will fast for three days while lobbying against corruption.
NDTV's Sidharth Pandey reports:
Apparently there is a candlelight march from Mumai's Azad Maidan at 7 pm. A big march is also planned in the evening today.
Also supporters at Ramlila ground announced that #Ramdev is trending at no.2 on twitter...
Apparently there is a candlelight march from Mumai's Azad Maidan at 7 pm. A big march is also planned in the evening today.
Also supporters at Ramlila ground announced that #Ramdev is trending at no.2 on twitter...
In Pics: Baba Ramdev's protest Ramlila Maidan
A group jig at Ramlila Maidan
Baba Ramdev, crowd-magnet: 15,000 people at his Ramlila Ground camp Ramdev has pulled thousands of people on the first day of his fast at the Ramlila Ground here.Differentiating himself from Anna's aides, who have attacked ministers and decided to launch their own political party, Baba Ramdev said that he has no political agenda and will not target any political party.
Crowds swell at Baba Ramdev's three-day fast
Baba Ramdev continues to speak to the 15,000 people at Ramlila ground
Our basic demands
If we get black money back to India, people of this country will have to pay no taxes
We agree with Anna Hazare's social campaign
Our basic demands
- A strong Lokpal
- CBI, CVC, CAG and Election Commission need urgent reforms
- Get black money back to India
If we get black money back to India, people of this country will have to pay no taxes
We agree with Anna Hazare's social campaign
Baba Ramdev addresses the crowd
- After 5pm, whole of India will come out in support; those in Ramlila will continue to remain here and after 5 the entire India will take to the streets
- We will not comment on any person from this stage
- We have no political agenda
- People are not an issue.. the system needs to change
- The protests demanding Lokpal hasn't come to an end.. it is going to reach a completion
- Delhi police did not commit its earlier mistake, we are thankful to them
- We aren't against any political party
- I went to Gujarat to pay my respects to my political idols: Mahatma Gandhi and Vallabhbhai Patel
- I greet the friends from the media who are here with us; they are the fourth pillar of our democracy.
- We need a strong Lokpal - even if there 100% consensus , let's go ahead with 99%. The law can be ammended later.
- The appointment of the Lokpal has to be independent. We want a mazboot Lokpal, not a majboor Lokpal.
- Sarkari Lokpal like sarkari CBI is not acceptable.
- Pawan Bansal had spoken with me last time, I invite him to come this time and not give statements from a distance.
The crowd is largely rural and many people have arrived with bags of clothes and other daily necessities as they prepare to set up camp here for a few days.
Tricolours are being waved, there are big Ramdev posters....
The Ramlila ground wears a festive air...
Tricolours are being waved, there are big Ramdev posters....
The Ramlila ground wears a festive air...
About 15000 people are now at the Ramlila grounds
About a 100 of the yoga teacher's supporters are expected to sit on a relay hungerstrike till August 30.
Baba Ramdev will be in and out of Delhi. Whether he will be on an indefinite hungerstrike or then join the relay fast is also not clear yet.
Baba Ramdev has only said so far, "I am a saint I don't have much needs, we eat very less and from today that will stop too."
Baba Ramdev will be in and out of Delhi. Whether he will be on an indefinite hungerstrike or then join the relay fast is also not clear yet.
Baba Ramdev has only said so far, "I am a saint I don't have much needs, we eat very less and from today that will stop too."
Baba Ramdev at Ramlila Maidan
Baba Ramdev has reached Rajghat, the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi. He was seen meditating with his supporters there
The number of supporters at Ramlila Maidan has now increased to 10,000. Around 100 supporters are expected to be on relay fast, sources say. Baba Ramdev will address the crowd at Ramlila around 10:30 am. He is expected to speak on his plans, nature of his protest
Police has allowed 35,000 people to gather at Ramlila Maidan for Baba Ramdev's protest. The yoga guru has the permission to protest at this venue till August 30
Despite being a weekday, 8000 people have already gathered at Ramlila Maidan
The yoga guru will reach Delhi at around 8:30 am. He will visit Rajghat around 9 am, before proceeding towards Ramlila Maidan
14 months after he was bundled out of Ramlila Maidan in a midnight police swoop, yoga guru Baba Ramdev will return to the same venue today for another round of an indefinite protest in his demand of bringing back the black money stashed abroad.
