JOIN USRamdev threatens armed revolt
He said the force would be raised to deal with police and anti-social elements attempting to disrupt his anti-corruption movement.
“I appeal that 20 young men from every district should come here. We will train them in both shahstra (vedas) and shastra (weapons)," said Ramdev, who is continuing his hunger strike, told his followers here.
The yoga guru said, “We will prepare 11,000 men and women so that next time we do not lose any battle like at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi." Both the government and the Congress reacted sharply to Ramdev's move. Home Minister P Chidambaram when asked about Ramdev's call said, “By making that statement, he has exposed his true colours and true intentions. Let him do so and the law will deal with that. You have to observe some discipline".
Meanwhile V Narayanswamy, Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office termed it as anti-national and said they have to take action. Congress said Ramdev's call for an armed rebellion is a serious issue and hoped that the government will take appropriate action to uphold the Constitution and maintain law and order.
Terming the move as against the constituion and government Congress spokesperson Jayanti Natarajan asked. "We would like to know is it a plan to start an armed rebellion against the Centre?"
Taking exception to senior BJP leader Sushma Swaraj meeting Ramdev in Haridwar on Wednesday, Natarajan asked to clear whether BJP was also a party to the plan to start an “armed struggle".
“Is it correct for the Leader of Opposition to meet Ramdev in Hardiwar when he has called for a war against the government? It is for the BJP to answer whether they are supporting (the plan) and what was the LoP doing there." she said.
On whether Ramdev's statement amounted to sedition and if he should be put behind bars, Natarajan said whatever the yoga guru has said was "completely against rule of law and the Constitution. “His remarks were unconstitutional and illegal. Whatever action is taken, it is for the Government to decide and it should taken appropriate action," she said.
The government's initial move to placate Ramdev when four senior ministers went to the Delhi airport on June 1 to persuade him to call off his fast-unto-death boomeranged when he went ahead.
Chidambaram said action against Ramdev followed after he defied the orders.
According to Delhi police, "minimum force" was used at the Ramlila Maidan, he said. The police has got a notice from the Supreme Court and it will explain its stand, he said.
Yoga guru’s health deteriorates
Baba Ramdev’s health has started deteriorating as his fast for tougher anti-graft laws and bringing back blackmoney from foreign nations, entered fifth day here today. Doctors attending to the yoga guru have advised liquid intake and requested him to end his fast soon. “His health is going down. He has lost weight and is suffering from dehydration. He is not keeping well,” Chief Medical Officer, Haridwar Dr Yogesh Sharma said briefing mediapersons.
Sharma said, “We have requested that he should take liquid intake like milk and juices. It will be better if he ends his fast.”
Earlier in the day, Ramdev did not show any sign of relentlessness and said that his fast will continue till Centre accepts all his demands. “My fast is on along with thousands of my followers in each and every part of this country,” he said.