Consensus seems to be emerging on some issues: Ramdev

New Delhi, Jun 3 (PTI) Indicating softening of his stand
ahead of the crucial round of talks with the Indian
government, Baba Ramdev on Friday said a consensus seems to be
emerging on all issues barring one or two between the two
sides.
He also claimed that his agitation was neither
"politically motivated or communal" nor he has any
"underground agenda" as was being portrayed by some sections.
"...Barring one or two issues, a consensus seems to be
emerging between us and the government," said the yoga guru,
who held his first round of talks with senior ministers
including Pranab Mukherjee who met him at the airport after
his arrival here on June 1.
Addressing a gathering of more than 5000 people who
poured in here to join him in his satyagraha against
corruption from Saturday, Ramdev said his movement is being
undertaken in "national interest" and is not sponsored by any
political party.
"Our agitation is not against any political party or
individual. We are neutral, not being sponsored by any party
or organisation and people from all castes and religion are
joining us. We appeal to all parties to join us. We are
erecting a special stage where representatives from all
parties can come to put forth their point of view," he said.
Flanked by leaders of various religions, he also tried
to deflect criticism that he is crossing the tenets of Yoga by
taking up issue of corruption. "I am not crossing the limits
of Yoga. Not lying and stealing is also part of yoga and I am
trying to bring those who have crossed that limit back within
the limit." In an apparent reference to suggestions that his movement
is aimed at undermining Gandhian Anna Hazare's agitation on
the same issue, Ramdev said, "We do not want to show anyone as
inferior or defeat anybody."
Ramdev claimed his movement was aimed at bringing back
the Rs 400 lakh crore black money stashed overseas and change
the corrupt system. "Not all politicians, businessmen and
officers are corrupt but those who are corrupt among them have
created a black empire by looting people's money. Some people
have hijacked democracy and turned it into a corrupt system."
Claiming that there are many corrupt people like "Hasan
Ali and A Raja" in the country, he said "Ravan of corruption
will be killed in Ramleela Maidan" and maintained that there
will "Satyagraha against corruption in 624 villages" across
the country from Saturday.
The fight against corruption will not be easy as those
who benefit from graft are powerful, he said, adding "I am
ready to fast for not only three days but for 30 days as we
are doing it for the starving people in the country," he said.
He demanded a public service delivery act under which
government officials have to respond to any issue brought by
common man within a time-frame, failing which they will be
fined and suspension will be given to repeat offenders.
Apparently targeting his critics, Ramdev said, "Those on
constitutional posts must have failed to some extent so that
we are being forced to take up these issues."
He said there should be fast-track courts to try graft
cases and those who
have looted crores via corrupt practices
should be given life term or death sentence.