The government on Saturday said that it has written proof that Ramdev and his core group had reached an agreement that they would call off their fast. Union Minister for Telecom Kapil Sibal, and minister od tourism Subodh kant Sahay, who has been speaking to Ramdev, Saturday released a letter signed by the yoga icon’s associate Balmukumnd of an apparent agreement. The government says the stir was to end Saturday between 4-6 PM and Ramdev went back on his word. In some tough talk, Mr Sibal said, “This government has always reached out but can also reign in.”
After release of the handwritten letter Ramdev get panicked and accused the government of betraying him. He also decided not to end the his dharna and agitation. He said now he would never talks to Kapil Sibal. Though Ramdev is claiming that his support base is intact, resentment are brewing in the rank of Ramdev. People are feeling cheated by his Baba. “ Baba ne hum logon ke sath vishwasghat kiya hai”, said Ramesh Sinha of Bihar who have come to back Ramdev anti corruption campaign . Tourism Minister Subodh Kant Sahai told reporters that the letter has been sent to the yoga guru and expressed hope that he would call off the hunger strike which began here this morning.
Earlier, Mr Ramdev had said he still wanted an agreement from the government and until then nothing would change.
Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee met with senior ministers Kapil Sibal, Subodh Kant Sahay and P Chidambaram earlier on Saturday to further discuss the demands of the yoga icon. Union Cabinet Secretary K M Chandrasekhar and Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister T K A Nair also attended the meeting.
The inaugural day of the fast was marred by controversy and criticism after Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader and Babri Masjid demolition accused Sadhvi Rithambara joining him on the stage. A number of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) activists were also seen at the site.
The Congress senior leader Digvijaya Singh slammed Ramdev’s campaign as being supported by the VHP and the RSS. He also dubbed his fast a “5-star satyagraha.”