Ramdev 'forgives' PM and govt, open to talks

Haridwar, June 7 (ANI): Yoga guru Baba Ramdev, who is continuing his fast-unto death against corruption, on Tuesday said he had forgiven the prime minister and the government for the action against him and his supporters, and revealed that he was open to talking to the government again if approached.

"I forgive the prime minister and the government for atrocities and wrongs done to me...but for destroying democracy, the nation will have to decide," Ramdev told reporters here.

The Baba's new forgiving avatar has made an appearance at a time when the war between the government and him is poised to enter a take-no-prisoners phase.

He now also faces heat from the Enforcement Directorate and the Income Tax department, which are studying the financial records of nearly 200 companies that are owned by the Baba's trust.

The government has banned the Baba from entering Delhi for the next 15 days.

Yesterday, he said the Central Government cannot stop him from entering Delhi, as it is not owned by the government and belongs to all citizens.

Addressing his supporters at his ashram in Haridwar, Ramdev said: "For how long will the government stop me from entering Delhi? The central government does not own Delhi; indeed it belongs to the citizens of India."

Rejecting the Delhi Police's version of events, he said: "The Delhi Police is lying. They beat up people. They said that people were injured in a stampede. None of our workers provoked violence."

He also challenged the government that if the issues concerning black money and corruption were not addressed, then they should create an environment that would change the government.

"If the present government does not address these three issues, including change in the system, eradicating corruption and bring back the black money stashed in foreign banks, then we will not fight elections, nor take any position in the government. We need to create an atmosphere in the country and would bring a government in power that fights these three issues," he said.

Baba Ramdev was on a hunger strike against corruption along with 65,000 followers when the police, on the government's orders, decided to dismantle the elaborate camp that had been set up at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan.

The Baba was caught dressed as a woman, while heading away from the camp towards the railway station.

A special plane took him to Dehradun and from there he was taken to his patanjali ashram in Haridwar by road. (ANI)