An ardent admirer of Swami Vivekananda, Baba Ramdev is well known for his vigorous efforts to popularize of Yoga. But recently, his hard stance on Indian black money, allegedly stashed in Swiss accounts, has brought him into the limelight for quite a different reason. Candidly speaking in an exclusive interview with Swati Chaturvedi of Zeenews.com on ‘Kahiye Janab’, Baba Ramdev, puts forth suggestions for the next government.
Swati: Recently you have laid emphasis on compulsory voting and ending corruption. ‘Transparency International’ has listed India at the 3rd spot in the list of most corrupt countries of world, after Nigeria and Bangladesh. What’s your take on it?
Baba Ramdev: We have started a movement against ending corruption and for compulsory voting in the country. India has a lot of money which can be used for the uplift of society and to help the needy. Those who are poor and unemployed can gain a lot from such money which is stashed away in foreign banks. Thus our money .i.e. Rs 72,80,000 cr must be brought back for the development of the backward.
Swati: Before elections politicians make several promises, but never follow up on them. We are tired of hollow promises. Will your insight help us in availing fruitful results?
Baba Ramdev: We have launched our campaign to create awareness among masses. People should know where their money is going. For that, we are trying to involve as many as 50 cr people in two years’ time and will extend the figure to 100 cr in 5 years. We want people to understand the approach we have taken up. We want them to vote for the right candidate, who is honest and ready to keep his promise to bring India’s money back. "Aao kare matdan ki chot, mitayen loktantra ki khot".
Swati: BJP and Congress both have made several promises, but hardly fulfilled them ever. Do you have any hope from them?
Baba Ramdev: Currently my idea is to make people aware that their money, which can be utilized for good purposes, is in Swiss accounts and should be brought back anyhow. It’s for the first time that a Swiss bank has allowed transparency in its system and now we have the right to know about our money. My motive is to bring back that money and also find out the reasons of it going abroad. While for the political parties, I would simply like to say that they must keep their conscience clear.
Swati: BJP or Congress which party’s conscience is the clearest according to you?
Baba Ramdev: How can we decide that, especially when the political parties themselves are not clear in their respective approach? It’s necessary that politicians speak their mind and vow that they will bring back our money. At least they should accept the fact that our money is stashed in those accounts. Karat, Advani and Sharad Pawar have at least spoken of bringing back the money. It’s our country’s money and we should safeguard it anyhow.
I would like to mention one point here that we will bring back those Rs 72,80,000 cr even if we have to go to war for that. We are a powerful country and we can lead the world. Politicians nowadays are trying to raise the issue just to gain political mileage, but we are very honest in our approach and after elections we will achieve our goal even if we have to march to Parliament. This is not my challenge, but my determination.
Swati: You took the names of Karat, Advani and Sharad Pawar, but let me inform you that these were the same people who created a lot of hue and cry when the Bofors Case was exposed. But still that money is out of India’s reach?
Baba Ramdev: We have to show the politicians that we want to take this issue seriously. Because of the corrupt politicians, businessmen and bureaucrats the situation has become more troublesome. How can we just keep this issue aside. Bringing back the money can improve the situation across country. Therefore, we are laying emphasis on this issue. Hence people must wake up and take up the situation seriously.
Swati: People are tired of reminding our great politicians. Don’t you agree on that?
Baba Ramdev: Swiss banks have for the first time taken up option of disclosing the information and we will make use of the service the best. Be it NDA, UPA, Third Front or Fourth Front only that party will be able to rule which will promise us that they will bring back our money. People are dying of poverty and when they will see that the culprits are in front of their eyes they will just vanquish them.
Swati: Earlier politicians made promises now Baba is doing the same. What is the deadline you are giving to the next government?
Baba Ramdev: After elections when the new government will come to power we will send them a letter demanding to find out a solution to the issue as soon as possible. We will wait for about a year and if we do not get appropriate response we will give a befitting reply to the govt. If we can vote in any govt we can also vote them out.
Swati: Baba Ramdev is also capable of giving wonderful speeches.
Baba Ramdev: I believe in performance and not in making empty speeches. One piece of work speaks volumes and I believe in it.
Swati: Would Baba Ramdev be seen entering politics in near future?
Baba Ramdev: No I would never want to enter politics. I am fine here teaching yoga to my followers. This is my biggest asset till date and I would not like to lose their love.
Swati: Out of the current politicians whom do you feel are the least corrupt and don’t be diplomatic?
Baba Ramdev: I think we should leave this for media as they are the best ones to judge this out. I am not trying to be diplomatic because people who know their work best should be left with them. "Jiska kaam usi ka sajhe, doosra kare to ninda baje"
Swati: You inspire so many people. Whom are you inspired with in Indian politics?
Baba Ramdev: Every party is a mixture comprising honest and dishonest people. We are nobody to question anybody’s character. People know best about the leaders standing from their constituencies. Hence, it would not be justified if I raise finger at somebody.
Swati: You have so many followers from all parties. Whom will you ask people to vote for in these elections?
Baba Ramdev: This election entirely different from earlier polls as it has no national issue. Emphasis is laid on age and caste. Those who are young are considered ignorant, while old are considered weak. We need patriots who love their country, who are true Indians are strong and are honest. We don’t want India to become a failed state like Pakistan. Already 300 districts are in close contact with terror groups.
But what can one candidate do. Therefore we want to request the political parties to think and make efforts to bring back the money from the Swiss accounts so that we can use it for those who really need it.
Swati: Tell us something about your compulsory voting campaign.
Baba Ramdev: Oh! This campaign has really become influential. Previously people said that Baba has gone mad and the campaign won’t work but it has already got a success. This time you can see that nearly 60% voter turnout in comparison to the last elections.
Swati: Do you feel bad when people question your aesthetics, values or motives?
Baba Ramdev: No, I never feel sad because if I am right, I am not afraid of what others say and the day I will be wrong, I myself won’t be able to face the world as I would feel guilty.
(Adapted by Devika Chhibber)
First Published: Saturday, April 25, 2009, 00:00