Ramdev welcomes CIC order on political parties

NEW DELHI: Welcoming the CIC order, Yoga guru Ramdev today said political parties must come under the purview of RTI as they accept public money.

Asked about the Chief Information Commissioner's ruling that political parties come under the Right to Information Act which has been opposed by many parties, he said "if they are accepting public money then why shouldn't they be in RTI's ambit. Political parties must come under the purview of RTI."

Ramdev, who has supported Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi as the Prime Ministerial candidate, also said he will try to persuade those who have reservations on the issue to come on board, including Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

Asked about Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's opposition to Modi's candidature, Ramdev said he has full faith in Nitish Kumar that he would rethink his decision keeping in mind the betterment of the country.

"If needed, I would also talk to him," Ramdev told reporters here.

He also asked Aam Aadmi Party Convenor Arvind Kejriwal to join hands with Modi to fight corruption.He said Kejriwal is honest but in fight against this government's "chakravyuh", only Modi is capable.

On his future course of action, Ramdev said before the general elections, "I would launch a massive agitation from September which would continue till the elections are held.

"This is necessary to make people aware about the government's policies and intentions."

On to the betting controversy, he said government should take charge of the Board of Control for Cricket in India ( BCCI), as "they take over the control of a religious place, through a trust, as soon as their income crosses Rs 50 crore.

"Then why the is the government not taking over BCCI...?", he asked.