Yoga guru Ramdev’s recent remarks in defence of Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur and his call for a change at the Centre in the coming Lok Sabha polls have annoyed Union Railway Minister and RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav. Lalu is upset that a person from his caste is playing into the hands of the “communal BJP”.On Tuesday, the RJD chief made desperate efforts to call on Ramdev to convey his annoyance, but could not as the latter was busy addressing a press meet. “It is very unfortunate. I will contact him and tell him to keep away from politics. Ramdeviji is a yoga guru and his followers cut across religious boundaries. He should not end up favouring forces who are out to divide the country on religious lines”, Lalu told The Indian Express. Lalu’s affinity for Ramdev is well known and it is widely believed that it is the caste factor that draws him towards the latter. It was this feeling that had led two powerful Yadav chieftains to go against the CPI (M) to support Ramdev when its Politburo member Brinda Karat accused the swami of selling fake drugs. Recalling the incident, Lalu said: “I had gone against my friends in the CPI (M) to support him over the allegations. It is very sad that Ramdevji is lending voice to the saffron brigade’s stance over the terror expose made by the ATS. He should keep away from them.” Ramdev was recently in the news for defending Malegaon blast accused Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur. At the Panipat conclave, however, he went a step further and talked about the upcoming Assembly elections and a change at the Centre. “There will be a massive tussle for power three months hence. The country needs a big change, wherein Sant Shakti and Jan Shakti should come together”, Ramdev was quoted as saying. This call for a change, according to insiders, has peeved Lalu the most.
