Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief
Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday said Baba Ramdev`s concerns about
corruption and black money were legitimate, but his demands
for ending the fast were unrealistic.
"Concerns about corruption and black money are
legitimate concerns. I am not sure how going on a hunger
strike is going to deliver immediate results," Omar told
reporters at the sidelines of a function here.
He said goals set by the Yoga Guru were not achievable
in the short term.
"It is not like Government of India is going to snap
its fingers and all the black money will come back... nor can
the 500 and 1000 rupee notes demonetised immediately. The
death penalty (for corruption) is something I believe is
unviable," he said.
Omar said Baba Ramdev will have to wait for long time
to end his fast as it was not possible to meet his conditions
immediately.
"I am not sure how long Baba Ramdev plans to stay
hungry since he has said he will end it only after his demands
are met. It might be a pretty long wait for him," he said.
He said it would be better that in the course of
negotiations between the Government and the Yoga guru, some
sort of time frame is worked out within which the government
can resolve some of these issues.
In response to a question about the huge assets
acquired by the yoga guru, Omar said "since Ramdev has gone on
a hunger strike against black money I would assume that the
donations and contributions have come legally".
"I have no reason to question the legitimacy of the
asset base he (Ramdev) has," he said.
PTI
