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Ramdev plans fast-unto-death, seeking death penalty for graft

(File photo) Yoga guru Ramdev speaks in support of social activist Anna Hazare in New Delhi - Reuters
(File photo) Yoga guru Ramdev speaks in support of social activist Anna Hazare in New Delhi - Reuters

Yoga guru Baba Ramdev on Wednesday announced he will go on a fast-unto-death from June 4 in New Delhi to demand capital punishment for corrupt officials and recovery of black money stashed away in Swiss banks by Indian politicians and businessmen.

Speaking to reporters here, Ramdev said that names of all foreign bank account holders should be made public and high denomination currency notes like of Rs.500 and Rs.1,000 be banned.

"Despite knowledge about it, the central government has not taken any concrete decision on the issue of black money plaguing the country," Ramdev said.

He is likely to be joined by social activist Anna Hazare, former police officer Kiran Bedi and Karnataka 'Lokayukta' (ombudsman) Santosh Hegde.

Ramdev said his supporters in India and from abroad will join him in the hunger fast at New Delhi's Ramlila Ground.

Vowing to continue the fight against corruption, Ramdev said a strong Lokpal Bill should be enacted by August this year, as assured by the central government after a hunger strike by Hazare in New Delhi last month.

Ramdev said he plans to write to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, highlighting issues related to corruption in the country.

Ramdev reiterated this is not a platform for him to join politics. "I have no ambitions to be a politician and will never take part in active politics."

Ramdev is at present touring Mumbai and surrounding areas as part of his 300-day nationwide tour to teach yoga to the masses.

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S K Das 05/05/2011 - 03:02pm

I believe that 99% of Indian people love and trust Ramdevji's mission and vision; only 1% of those who are misguided by vested interests will keep trying to find faults with his activities. People of this great country salute great patriots like Annaji and Baba. It is only corruption that is responsible for all the miseries in the country - be it poverty, ill health, illiteracy, unemployment or social disharmony. In the light of it, the issue being raised by Baba is of national importance. Clean personalities like Annaji and Ramdevji are most suitable to lead such a great movement against corruption and corrupt politicians, bureaucrats and businessmen.
We are wholeheartedly with this Anna-Ram duo. I will definetely join Ramdevji's satyagraha against corruption, because it is in the interest of Bharat, in the interest of national pride, in the interest of our children.

sanatan pradhan 05/05/2011 - 02:21pm

Baba please get back the black money from Swiss banks.

sanatan pradhan 05/05/2011 - 02:18pm

East or west Baba is the best. My family and I are with Baba.

BOSS 05/05/2011 - 12:54pm

No doubt, the politicians and top babus want to make huge money in all corrupt ways. They stash it in secret banks. The law should be made in such a way that none will dare choose corruption as their way of running government. The only option is to execute the corrupt. The country will be saved by this way.

sonu 05/05/2011 - 08:58am

can they give death to every single official of Noida Authority, one of the most corrupt entities in India

Season 06/05/2011 - 11:52pm

i am completely agree with you Noida / Greater Noida Authority's Babus are the one of the most corrupt Babus in India

Veevip Sarathy 05/05/2011 - 04:15am

What we see is a disturbing trend. Public figures going on 'fast-unto-death' over public issues followed by public demonstrations.. There was much bru-ha-ha when Anna Hazare did his turn and got (??)what he wanted. A functioning government cannot and should not be held hostage to such threat s.

In a democracy there are many avenues for grievance redress. Let us let the government do their job viz., to rule. We have representatives in Parliament and Assemblies. If we are not satisfied we should vote against the government. That is the tool that our constitution has given us. Diversionary tactics like 'fasts' only adds to confusion,creates law and order problems and prevents government from functioning . All this will surely lead to anarchy. This nonsense should stop.

Veevip Sarathy

puneet 04/05/2011 - 08:25pm

it's great. I'm with Baba.

R K Reddy 04/05/2011 - 08:23pm

First he should teach his disciples how to come out of the temptation of corruption through yoga. Also Babaji should avoid travel by air... because many will gossip about where the air ticket money is coming from.

prince 05/05/2011 - 02:07pm

Baba is a rich baba. He is not poor. Having a trust where money comes only in DD and cheques.
So what is the total value of air fare? He can have his own airline man.