NEW DELHI: Yoga guru Ramdev, known for his closeness to the government, has sprung a surprise by praising Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi while describing Modi's ministers as "arrogant" and criticizing the government on issues related to farmers.
In an interview to Aaj Tak to mark one year of the Modi government, Ramdev praised the Prime Minister himself but stressed that some ministers in his government have become arrogant. To a pointed question on Rahul Gandhi's aggressive campaigns against government policies, Ramdev said Rahul had "given a lifeline to a virtually dead Congress. Such a big political house (Congress) was bogged down by inertia. But it is back on its wheels now."
He said the Congress has succeeded in cornering the government on development and farmers' issues. "Now it's for the government to win back the confidence of farmers. They will have to formulate a new farm policy," he said.
Ramdev said the issue of land acquisition was relevant only in some areas. "On a larger scale, it's the issue of providing farmers electricity, fertilizers and water for irrigation besides fixing the right minimum support price. It's unfortunate that farmers are treated like unskilled labourers," he said.
To a question on Rahul Gandhi's "suit-boot ki sarkar" slogan against Modi, Ramdev retorted, "Suit boot pahanne se koi apradhi ho jaata hai kya (Does anyone become a criminal by wearing a suit)?" However, he added a perception should not go down that Dalits, backwards and the underprivileged who have worked for the success of the BJP did not have a representation in the party.
"But the way they dress, most people in the BJP, even the backwards and Dalits, give the impression that they are moneyed. This perception should change. Jo hai wo dikhna bhi chahiye (The pro-poor people should be reflected in the manner they dress)," he said.
When asked whether people in the Modi government had become arrogant, Ramdev said after coming to office, leaders of all political parties become inaccessible by changing their phone numbers. "Barring Modi, Arun Jaitley and Amit Shah, most people have changed their phone numbers. This is not appropriate. Besides, they should address the genuine grievances of people. Kuchh to kaam karo (Their work should show)! Some people have become arrogant. This needs to be rectified immediately. After all, they have to face elections the next time," he said.
