The government, which went into a huddle after the talks with yoga guru Baba Ramdev failed, could possibly agree to his demands in the next 24 hours, sources disclosed.
Ramdev’s fast-unto-death, being staged at Ramlila Ground against stashing of black money abroad, could come to an end even before the anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare joins him on Sunday, a section in the government feels.
A government backchannel is reportedly at work even after the reported failure of the talks. Despite Ramdev’s strong RSS links, a section in the government was still hopeful of striking a deal with the yoga guru.
Sensing that the UPA cannot afford to have another anti-corruption campaign against it, the government is now considering the option of providing a time-frame to bring back the black money stashed abroad and setting up of fast-track courts to try corruption cases.
The Congress spin doctors are also of the opinion that Ramdev’s agitation should not be “allowed to take the shape of Hazare’s crusade.” Moreover it was felt that Ramdev’s “successful agitation,” could eventually eclipse Hazare and his team of social activists. The Congress strategists feel that it would be “easier to deal with Ramdev than with Hazare.”
Sources disclosed that it was a “calculated move to give Ramdev VIP treatment and roll out the red carpet.”
Some in the Congress feel, the black money issue would also put the contentious Lokpal bill on the backburner.
Despite extending support to Ramdev, the Hazare camp is wary of the yoga guru’s moves. Some of the social activists, including Medha Patkar, have already dissociated themselves from Ramdev’s agitation.
A section of Ramdev followers also feel that Hazare should be kept at bay.
They are of the opinion that Hazare would steal the thunder if he joined Ramdev at Ramlila ground.
This particular camp is eager to transform Ramdev’s agitation into a “victory rally,” before Hazare “encroachs on the show.”