CPI comes down heavily on govt. over Ramdev agitation

New Delhi: The Communist Party of India on Sunday came down heavily on the UPA Government for not taking political parties and Parliament into confidence while dealing with agitations by Anna Hazare and Baba Ramdev against corruption and accused it of “undermining” democratic process.

Party National Secretary D. Raja asked why the Government did not act against Baba Ramdev’s agitation when it was clear from “the beginning that right-wing organisations like RSS were involved in the protest.”

“The Government is alone responsible for the current situation…it should have acted then…the government has undermined democratic institutions be it Anna Hazare’s agitation or Ramdev’s protest,” he said.

He said the Government negotiated with Baba Ramdev and Anna Hazare on its own and announced formation of separate committees without consulting political parties.

He alleged that RSS and other saffron outfits were “remote-controlling” the agitation by Baba Ramdev.

“The timing of the fast is also to be noted. When the BJP is holding its National Executive Meet, the fast began here. The RSS and other people took part in it,” he said.

The Rajya Sabha MP also accused the BJP of adopting “double standards” on the issue of corruption.

Mr. Raja also asked Ramdev to clarify whether he was a “yoga guru” or a “political person”.