The sudden appearance of spiritual leaders in the political arena of the state has confused politicians and political-watchers alike.
The sudden appearance of spiritual leaders in the political arena of Uttar Pradesh has confused politicians and political-watchers alike.
Yoga guru Baba Ramdev and ‘Art of Living’ guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar swear they have nothing to do with politics or elections, but their statements at public meetings have queered the pitch for many. There is also talk of Swami Agnivesh touring the state just before the elections, which are less than six months away.
“I don’t know why it is that every time I speak out against corruption, I am labelled as an agent of the ‘Sangh parivar’ or a BJP sympathiser,” Ravi Shankar said. The seer is on a week-long tour of eastern UP ostensibly to address spiritual gatherings. Baba Ramdev has also just finished addressing a string of public meetings in several districts of UP. The Congress sees political overtones in their ‘yatras’.
“They are misleading the innocent,” said senior Congress leader Pramod Tiwari. “If they want to play politics, they should come out clear and align themselves with a party.”
Congress general secretary Digvijay Singh has said he is “keeping an eye” on Ravi Shankar’s UP tour. He has also spoken out against Baba Ramdev’s credentials.
Ravi Shankar has been speaking out against corruption and the need for a Jan Lokpal Bill, lacing his speeches with much praise for Anna Hazare and his team. Baba Ramdev has also been toeing this line in his yoga camps.
This is precisely what is bothering the Congress. Ravi Shankar reportedly had to call off his visit to Rahul Gandhi’s constituency Amethi after the organisers succumbed to Congress pressure. Ravi Shankar insists that he has never named any party and his aim is only to spread awareness among people on corruption and the fight against it.
Sources said Congress should be the last one to raise a finger at the political-spiritual cocktail. “Congress leaders should remember how Indiraji used to seek Deoraha Baba’s blessings, how Swami Swaroopanand Saraswati has patronised the party, especially the Nehru-Gandhi family,” said a political commentator.
The SP has reacted strongly to spiritual leaders donning a political mantle, while the BJP is happy with the peripatetic Babas.
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