Maoism bigger issue than Kashmir conflict, says Ramdev

PANAJI - Maoism was a bigger issue confronting the nation than the Kashmir conflict, yoga guru Baba Ramdev said Friday.

Addressing a press conference here ahead of a four-day yoga camp, Ramdev said India could not afford to ignore Maoism which was a direct result of systemic exploitation and isolation of marginalised people.

“Over years, these regions which are affected by Naxalism have been plundered for what not. Areas which are affected by Naxalism are rich in ore, gold and other natural resources. The people from these areas have only been exploited. Now they are fighting back,” Ramdev said.

The yoga guru, who also started a politically-oriented outfit called Bharat Swabhimaan trust with an aim to contest the next Lok Sabha elections, said Maoism had to be tackled holistically.

“It is a much bigger problem than we are seeing right now. People from all walks of life have to benefit from the progress,” he said.

Speaking about his plans for contesting the next Lok Sabha elections, Ramdev said he would be morally responsible for the candidates put up by his yet-to-be-formed political party.

“I will personally chose candidates for our party. They will be morally upright, non-corrupt people with a good track record in public service,” Ramdev said.

He said in areas where there were no good candidates forthcoming, he would even endorse clean and honest politicians from other political parties.

“There are still some clean people in politics, but they are in minority. My job is to make them a majority. I may even endorse candidates from any political party who have a clean image,” Ramdev said.

Baba Ramdev from Haridwar, who has popularised yoga in India and the world over, said his Bharat Swabhimaan trust had a membership running into several lakhs.