Baba Ramdev speaks on his mission, UPA and CBI

Yoga guru Baba Ramdev on Tuesday claimed that he was not aspiring for any political power but was only seeking "political purity" to lead the country on the path of "value-based development."

"I have no ambition for political power. My mission is political purity. This is my first and final declaration," he told reporters after enlisting the support of the Telugu Desam Party for his "fight against corruption and black money."

Ramdev said his vision was to ensure a "healthy and wealthy India" by rooting out corruption and ensuring "value-based development."

He, however, maintained that only political parties could bring about the required change in the system. At the same time, he also stressed on the need for a raajneetik vikalp (political alternative) to make India a powerful country.

The yoga guru said he was neither against a particular political party nor did he consider anyone 'untouchable'.

"Congress party mein bhi achche log hain...har party mein hain (There are good people in Congress too. There are good people in all parties). But what the UPA government did onJune 4 at Ramlila grounds (forcibly breaking his fast) was bad," he said.

Baba Ramdev asserted, "My fight against corruption and black money will continue despite the obstacles".

Ramdev said he would tour India from August to garner people's support for his fight.

"We have to fully change the corrupt system and black money is not a small issue. Ills plaguing the country like poverty, illiteracy and under development are only due to corruption and black money," he added.

Asked about the Central Bureau of Investigation's probe into his activities, Baba quipped: "The central government has set the CBI and the ED on me for the past six months but so far they could not prove anything."

"Kabhi kabhi CBI achcha kaam karta hai (Sometimes, the CBI does good work)," he remarked.

On the CBI's allegation's that his close aide Balkrishna possessed a fake graduation certificate, the yoga guru said it was a false claim.

TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu, who was present with Ramdev, strongly condemned the central government and the CBI's attitude towards the yoga guru.

"They are trying to victimise anyone who is fighting corruption and black money. But we will all stand with Baba and carry the fight forward," he said.

Naidu said financial, political and administrative reforms were needed, apart from rooting out corruption, to build a value-based society.

"The TDP, along with like-minded forces, will extend full support to Baba and his efforts," he said.