BJP supports Ramdev's agitation against corruption

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Friday extended its "full support" to Baba Ramdev's fast against corruption and accused the Congress of "double standards" on the issue, saying while ministers hold talks with him, some party leaders criticise the yoga guru's agitation.

"Baba Ramdev is sitting on a fast at the Ramlila ground in Delhi. Whoever fights against corruption, he and his movement has our full support," BJP spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain said.

The BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, along with other Sangh affiliates, have extended their support to Ramdev's fast. However, the BJP was evasive when asked if it would participate in Baba Ramdev's movement.

But some members close to the Sangh Parivar have joined the yoga guru at Ramlila grounds.

"We have extended moral support to him," Hussain said.

He maintained that it was senior BJP leader L K Advani who had first raised the issue of black money stashed abroad when he mentioned it during the 2009 Lok Sabha elections.

The BJP also took pot-shots at Congress general secretary Digvijay Singh, asking him to clarify whose 'agent' he was and at whose behest he was making statements against Baba Ramdev.

Singh had earlier alleged that Ramdev was an agent of the RSS.

"We never take Digvijay Singh's statements seriously. But now we do as he is speaking as an agent of somebody. He should clarify whose agent he is. He is general secretary of
Sonia Gandhi," Hussain said.

He accused the Congress of adopting double standards, pointing out that on one hand, the UPA ministers go to the airport to receive Ramdev and on the other hand, Digvijay Singh talks about putting him in jail.

"I challenge him to send a person to jail. This country is a democracy and not a dictatorship. The rule of law prevails here. He should take back his statement," Hussain said.

Asked about the BJP's support to Ramdev, the BJP spokesperson insisted that BJP and the Sangh Parivar 'loves' everybody who supports the fight against corruption.

Hussain maintained that such matters take time to bear fruit.

"Getting results take time. We are fully confident that Ramdev (and his movement) will definitely achieve success," he said.