RSS urges Ramdev to end fast

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Saturday urged Baba Ramdev to call off his ongoing fast in the view of his deteriorating health.

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Saturday urged Baba Ramdev to call off his ongoing fast in the view of his deteriorating health.

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“The news of Pujya Baba Ramdev’s deteriorating health and hospitalisation has caused great concern in the whole country,” Bhagwat said in a statement. “At a time when the country needs his guidance the most, it is unimaginable that the Baba is lying in a hospital bed weakened by resolute fasting for more than a week.”

He added, “The cause of dharma he has taken up needs his active guidance. Therein lies the good of the country. Hence I prayerfully appeal to Baba Ramdev ji to call off his fast soon and rejoin his movement for national regeneration.”

The government has said the RSS was behind Ramdev's campaign, but the Sangh has denied this, claiming it was just supporting any campaign against corruption.

Meanwhile, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) convenor and BJP ally Sharad Yadav had a different take on Ramdev’s fast. He said: “Fasts unto death bring the focus on the person and draw it away from the issue, which is what is important.”

On the same day, former BJP leader KN Govindacharya also appealed to Ramdev to break his fast, and made a call to all "anti-corruption activists" to join a meeting on June 25, the day the Emergency began, to strategise how to take the fight forward.