'Sangh-sponsored stir'

Muslim clerics and scholars feel that Ramdev has harmed his cause by allowing “communal elements” to surround him and “hijack” his agitation, whereas Anna Hazare and his team members did well to keep politicians and communal forces away from their movement.

“The presence of Sadhvi Ritambhara, Ashok Singhal, who are accused in the Babri Masjid demolition case, and many others of their ilk, clearly indicate that Ramdev’s agitation is sponsored by the Sangh Parivar,” All India Muslim Personal Law Board member Zafaryab Jilani said here.

Jilani, however, appreciated anti-graft activist Anna Hazare, saying the latter had not allowed politicians to surround him in his agitation. “Muslims are very much with Anna,” he said.