CPI (M) on back-foot over Ramdev issue
by Ajitha Menon

    Kolkata: The West Bengal CPI(M) leadership has been on the back-foot over politburo member Brinda Karat's charge against Baba Ramdev for alleged irregularities in the preparation of ayurvedic medicines by his firm and violation of labour laws at his behest. The State CPI(M) unit has ruled out the possibility of organizing any demonstration against him when he arrives in the city on January 22 in connection with the foundation day celebrations of a private television channel.

   The ruling Marxists apprehend that any attempt to publicly malign or heckle Ramdev would not be taken kindly by the people of Bengal and may adversely affect the party's prospects in the coming Assembly polls. The allegation levelled by Brinda Karat, wife of CPI(M) general secretary Prakash Karat, against Ramdev has already sparked a serious controversy at the national level with heavyweight politicians like Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and Samajwadi party leader Mulayam Singh Yadav and RJD chief and Union Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav coming to his defence. Both the leaders gave Ramdev a clean chit, saying the yoga practised by him and the medicines recommended by him have benefited thousands of people suffering from serious and chronic ailments all over the country. The Congress high command too has maintained a studied silence on the Ramdev issue and refused to join Mrs Karat's tirade against him in view of his popularity in extensive areas of the Hindi heartland. The CPI seems to be the only party which has openly stood by the side of the CPI(M) politburo member over the matter.

   Mrs Karat had two major complaints against Ramdev and Divya pharmacy, which manufactures ayurvedic medicines as per his directive. First, she charged Ramdev with recommending medicines having human and animal bones as components. Secondly, she accused his pharmacy of violating labour laws and resorting to indiscriminate retrenchment of its workers. The politburo member, however, had to retract her statement regarding quality of the ayurvedic medicines after experts said preparation of ayurvedic medicines with animal bones was not against laws and in no way caused harm to human health. Ramdev, however, has denied the charges and accused Mrs Karat of championing the cause of multinational drug companies to undermine the importance of

   There has been a growing public outrage against the CPI(M) leader's contention and West Bengal is not an exception. People of the State who have been greatly benefited by the practice of pranayam as directed by Ramdev and his medicines, are looking with suspicion at the charges raised by Mrs Karat against him. Initially the Bengal CPI(M) leadership openly extended its support to Mrs Karat and even organized a procession in the city as a mark of solidarity with her. However, the State committee subsequently decided to keep mum over the issue as the CPI(M) appeared isolated over the issue with most of the political parties criticizing the politburo member for her sudden outburst against the popular Yoga Guru. The first note of dissent was sounded by transport minister Subhas Chakraborty when he described Ramdev as "a nice man," asking "What is wrong with the medicines prescribed by him? Don't we eat animal flesh and relish chicken legs?" The minister, who had met Ramdev at the Salt Lake stadium during a yoga programme in the past, said, "I also once used to practise pranayam as recommended by him." The issue has already sparked a political storm within the State CPI(M) with only a few months left for the Assembly election. Senior party leaders have suggested caution since it is a sensitive matter affecting a large section of the electorate. State CPI(M) secretary Anil Biswas appeared defencive on Ramdev's impending visit to the city. "Anybody can come to our State. Even Praveen Togadia visited the city some time back. We are not against any individual," he said. Political observers feel Mrs Karat's anti-Ramdev stand may seriously jeopardize the CPI(M)'s plan to expand the organization among the Hindi-speaking people in the north.

Baba Ramdev's supporters take to streets in Jammu

    Jammu: Hundreds of activists of various Hindu groups on Sunday took to streets in Jammu in support of Baba Ramdev, who has been accused of using human and animal extracts in his medicines. Activists protested against Communist Party of India (Marxist)- CPI (M) leader Brinda Karat, who has accused Baba Ramdev of allegedly using human and animal extracts in the ayurvedic medicines, provoking a strong denial from Ramdev and angry protests by his supporters. They chanted slogans against Karat and burnt her effigy. They accused the party for consipiring against Hinduism. "It is a conspiracy by the CPI (M). A conspiracy has been designed to ruin the name of Hinduism," said Shivram, a protestor. Ramdev has a huge fan following across India with his combination of yoga, breathing exercises and traditional medicines. Young and old alike throng to him, believing he has amalgamated spirituality, yoga and Ayurveda, the Indian system of medicine for the spiritual and physical betterment of the people.

Back to Headlines                  Go To Top