Competition for Mayawati; Ramdev claims crores of Dalit followers

Yoga guru Baba Ramdev seems to be taking the final plunge into politics. On Wednesday, he chose UP chief minister Mayawati for a severe tongue-lashing, saying she was least bothered about the welfare of Dalits.

“Dalits can take a walk in the lavish parks, looking at the statues of their leaders, they might also feel some pride. But, stone statues cannot fill the stomachs of the poor. Neither will the parks offer shelter to the deprived,” he said.

Ramdev also seems to have taken tips from Rahul Gandhi’s visits to Dalit settlements. “I have told my followers to go to the houses of Dalits, stay with them, share their problems and try to do whatever they can to help them,” he said.

Ramdev had, a few days ago, declared his intention to play an active role in politics. He had announced that he would float his own party to highlight issues relating to the welfare of the common man.

Ramdev said political, spiritual and social groups have realised the need for changing things and “very soon, there would be a major shake-up in the entire system”.

The yoga guru also said he was confident that Dalits would support his political party in large numbers.

“A large number of my followers, who are in crores, are Dalits… they are with me in this process of change,” he asserted.