FIR against Baba Ramdev over ugly Dalit remarks

LUCKNOW/GANDHINAGAR: The BJP, which is supported by yoga guru Baba Ramdev, sought to distance itself from the controversy triggered by his derogatory remarks against Dalits and Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi as an FIR was lodged against him.

On Friday, Ramdev said Rahul Gandhi goes to Dalit homes for honeymoon and picnic, triggering a huge controversy. His controversial remarks led to a huge uproar and the police lodged an FIR against him on Saturday after the police went through the video recording of his remarks.

“An FIR has been lodged against Baba Ramdev at Mahanagar police station under section of section 171(g) IPC (false statement in connection with an election),” additional SP Habibul Hassan said. Ramdev later tried to backtrack.

He said, “I did not mean to insult Rahul Gandhi or Dalits. If my statement hurts the Dalits, I regret it.” But the damage had been done. The Congress severely criticized Ramdev for hitting below the belt.

Ramdev arrived in Gujarat on Saturday after the Gujarat High Court allowed him to hold two free yoga camps in Vadodara and Ahmedabad. He said his statements were twisted by the media. He however reiterated his charge against Rahul Gandhi and said Rahul visits Dalit homes to get photographs clicked for publicity. Members of Dalit community staged protests against Ramdev for his comments.