Govt-Ramdev fail to reach compromise; guru's fast to go on

New Delhi, Jun 3 (PTI) After a five-hour marathon
meeting, the Indian government and Baba Ramdev Friday failed
to reach a compromise on the demands raised by the yoga guru,
who said he will launch his indefinite fast tomorrow as
planned.
Emerging from the meeting at a hotel here, Indian HRD
Minister Kapil Sibal said the two sides had constructive
dialogue on several matters and they are very happy with the
progress but these issues cannot be resolved in a day.
"We have yet not reached a compromise and I will sit
on fast (from tomorrow)," Ramdev said after his meeting with
Sibal and and Subodh Kant Sahai.
Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh also
briefed Indian President Pratibha Patil on the deliberations.
Sibal said the government has responded positively to
the Baba's suggestions and hoped that Ramdev will do "what is
right".
However, he refused to confirm or deny whether the
yoga guru will go on his fast on issues of corruption and
black money.
"We had constructive dialogue on several issues and
the government has addressed all the issues Baba has raised in
writing. Most of these issues are of national concern and the
government is already seized of many of them," Sibal said.
The minister said the government negotiators have told
him that they are serious about all the issues he has raised.
"We have said that these issues cannot be resolved
Friday, in a day, as these have long-term implications. We
have responded positively to his suggestions and the Swamiji
will do what is right," he said.
Sibal said the two sides discussed black money,
corruption, Lokpal, special courts to try graft cases,
agricultural land acquisition and use of Hindi in medical and
other professional courses.
After the talks with Ramdev, Sibal briefed the Prime
Minister and then he along with Sahai went to brief Finance
Minister Pranab Mukherjee.
Earlier, the Baba addressed thouands of his supporters
in Ramlila maidan where he said, "...Barring one or two
issues, a consensus seems to be emerging between us and the
government."
Hectic back-channel efforts were on for the last two
days to placate Ramdev, who has raised issues of black money
and corruption, as the government is keen to avert an Anna
Hazare-like protest on the streets.
Claiming that his agitation was neither "politically
motivated or communal" nor he has any "underground agenda" as
was being portrayed by some sections, Ramdev said his movement
is being undertaken in "national interest".
"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," he said.
Refusing to tag talks, Sibal, after his meeting with
Mukherjee and P Chidambaram, said "Whether talks have failed
(or not) journalists know better."
On being asked about outcome of the talks he said "you
will come to know. We had very good talks. We had a detailed
discussion on the serious issues he (Ramdev) raised. We
exchanged our views and points."
While Sibal refused to say when the next round of
talks will take place, Sahai said "We have given (written
assurances). If need be talks will continue."
"We had very good talks. We have taken all the issues
seriously. People right from the Prime Minister to the Finance
Minister were involved," Sahai said.