New Delhi: Ramdev's promise of 'no political agenda' behind his movement against black money and corruption seems to have taken a back seat now with his announcement of supporting a political party in the 2014 General Elections and vowing to defeat the Congress.
Before breaking his fast at Ambedkar Stadium on Tuesday, Ramdev, who successfully managed to get thousands of people during his protest march, said that he would inform all his supporters to vote for a particular party in the elections at the right time, leaving politicians wondering about the possible beneficiary.
While representatives of many political parties shared the stage with Ramdev at Ramlila Maidan on Monday and targeted the Congress, the yoga guru, too, left no ambiguity about his political ambition. He not only joined the politicians in flaying the Central Government and the Congress, but also thanked all the parties and leaders who shared the stage with him.
By giving a benefit of doubt to almost all the other parties except the Congress and also mocking Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and also threatening that he could have stalled the Independence Day celebrations and the unfurling of the Tricolour at the Red Fort, Ramdev gave enough indications that he would mobilise his supporters against the grand old party of India.
His favourite slogan during the protest fast was: "Congress hatao, desh bachao (Remove Congress, save the country)."
Ramdev, who just few days back criticised team Anna member Arvind Kejriwal for naming individuals in public seems to have forgotten the Jantar Mantar incident as he kept on accusing the Prime Minister, Congress President Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi of not only protecting the corrupt but also indulging in corruption.
With the BJP-led NDA coming out in full support, Ramdev has surely got the necessary political backing required to play a role.
His metamorphosis must have left many surprised, especially people who see Ramdev as an acclaimed yoga teacher.
Ramdev's knowledge of yoga and auryveda made him a household name domestically as well as globally. Politicians and celebrities attending his yoga sessions have been a common sight and many Congress members have also admitted to following his style of breathing exercises.
Ramdev, as many say had lost plot during his 2011 Ramlia Maidan protest when he fled from the venue in a woman's attire following the police crackdown.
Like Anna Hazare and his team's movement turning political, Ramdev too has taken a similar path by first saying no to a political agenda, then targeting one political party and finally declaring that he would announce his support for a political party before the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.
Only time will tell whether Ramdev's transition from a yoga teacher to a mass leader, riding on the burning and emotive issue of black money, will be a success or not.
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