Govt says eviction of Baba Ramdev was inevitable and justified

Govt says eviction of  Baba Ramdev was inevitable and justified

Govt on Sunday said eviction of  Baba Ramdev was inevitable and justified calling his presence in Ramlila ground was posing security and law and order threat.

Govt said that the police action on Baba Ramdev and his supporters was inevitable as Baba backed from his word to end his fast and was pursuing political agenda.

Delhi police clarified on the alleged overuse of force.

Police said they never resorted to lathi charge during the whole operation and had lobbed tear gas shells only after stones were pelted at them.

Union Minister Kapil Sibal who was among those holding negotiations with Ramdev over the last few days said there were apprehensions about the law and order situation in Delhi as Ramdev had collected more than 50,000 people as against the permission of five thousand people for a yoga camp.

The Govt also ruled out further talks with the yoga guru on his demands.

Ramdev violated permission for yoga camp: Govt

Government on Sunday justified police action to end Ramdev's agitation saying the Yoga Guru had violated the undertaking for permission and had even backed out on his assurances.

Union Minister Kapil Sibal, who was holding negotiations with Ramdev over the last few days, said there were apprehensions about law and order situation in Delhi as Ramdev had collected 50,000 people for "political aasan" (manoeuver) although he had sought permission for a yoga camp for a gathering of 5,000 only.

"It was not a Yoga platform, but a political platform. The law and order had to be enforced in Delhi. We did not want any disruptions in that," he told reporters.

To a question, he said the party and the government were united on the police action.

"Absolutely 100 per cent. No such action takes place without 100 per cent unity in the government and the party," the minister said.

He rejected BJP's allegations that the crackdown was reminiscent of Emergency.

Sibal alleged that Ramdev was in league with the RSS as he referred to the presence of Sadvi Ritambhara in his protest.

The Union Minister said Ramdev was not a trustworthy person as he had "cheated" the government and also his followers.

"He reached an agreement with the government but did not tell it to his followers," Sibal said.

He said government and Ramdev had reached an understanding as per which the Yoga Guru was supposed to announce calling off his strike by Saturday afternoon, but he did not honour the commitment.

"Despite assurances he did not make the announcement. We were in touch with him over phone. We waited till 5 pm. When he did not give statement we decided to go to press. We told him that," Sibal explained, referring to making public the letter written by one of his close associate. "If he backs out, how will we trust him," the Minister questioned.