Sibal justifies police action against Baba Ramdev

The government on Sunday justified the police action to end yoga guru Baba Ramdev's agitation, saying he had violated the undertaking for permission and had even backed out on his assurances.

Union minister Kapil Sibal, who was holding negotiations with Ramdev over the last few days, said there were apprehensions about the law and order situation in Delhi as Ramdev had collected 50,000 people for "political asanas" although he had sought permission for a yoga camp only for a gathering of 5,000.

"It was not a yoga platform, but a political platform. Law and order had to be enforced in Delhi. We did not want any disruptions in that," he told media-persons. To a question, he said the Congress party and the government were united on the police action.

"Absolutely 100 per cent. No such action takes place without 100 per cent unity in the government and the party," the minister said. He rejected the Bharatiya Janata Party's allegations that the crackdown was reminiscent of Emergency.

Sibal alleged that Ramdev was in league with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh as he referred to the presence of Sadhvi Rithambhara in his protest. The Union minister said Ramdev was not a trustworthy person as he had "cheated" the government and also his followers.

"He reached an agreement with the government, but did not disclose it to his followers," Sibal said. According to him, the government and Ramdev had reached an understanding as per which the yoga guru was supposed to call off his strike by Saturday afternoon, but he did not honour the commitment.

"Despite assurances he did not make the announcement. We were in touch with him over the phone. We waited till 5 pm. When he did not give the statement we decided to go to the press. We told him that," Sibal explained, referring to making public the letter written by one of his close associates.

"If he backs out, how can we trust him?" the minister questioned.