Ramdev camp... Baba Ramdev steers clear of statehood issue

EOI, DARJEELING, 16 Apr 2015: Upon his much-awaited arrival in Darjeeling this evening, yoga guru Baba Ramdev skirted questions on the demand for a Gorkhaland state saying it was a political issue. In the same breath however, he said he respected the sentiments of the people.

On his maiden visit to the Darjeeling hills to conduct a three-day yoga camp from April 17 to 19 being hosted by the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration, Ramdev received a humongous welcome as he arrived in a motorcade from Bagdogra airport.

Sitting astride his disciple Balkrishna Acharya and GTA chief executive Bimal Gurung, the yoga teacher said, “Gurungji is here to talk about Gorkhaland. It is a political issue and is attached with the sentiments of the people. However, any issue that is in the interest of the nation and its people will always get my respect.”

When asked about the actual purpose behind Ramdev’s visit, Gurung said it was his long cherished dream to bring the yoga master to the hills for a camp.

“Please, let me make it clear that Baba Ramdev is here to conduct a yoga camp and his visit has nothing to do with politics,” said Gurung.

Baba Ramdev will conduct the camp from 5am to 7.30am at Chowrastha. We have placed 15 LED screens in and around Chowrastha and at the Gorkha Ranga Manch Bhawan.” 

The GTA has also requested Ramdev to establish a unit of the Patanjali Yogapeeth in Darjeeling and he has replied in the affirmative. “I have been asked to set up a Yogpeeth in Darjeeling. The Himalaya and the

northeast region are a treasure of trove of several medicinal and herbal plants. You will get a unit of the Patanjali Yogapeeth very soon,” said Ramdev. Gurung said the GTA would identify the land for the Patanjali Yogapeeth unit. 

During his stay the yoga guru will inaugurate a steel bridge at Jogi Ghat in Mungpo, 28km from Darjeeling. The bridge will connect Mungpo with Latpanchar.

TT, Darjeeling: Yoga televangelist Baba Ramdev will hold a yoga camp at Chowrasta on Friday. Darjeeling is also gearing up to host Sikkim chief minister Pawan Chamling and several central ministers this weekend.

"The GTA has decided to felicitate Chamling for getting elected chief minster for five consecutive terms," said Gorkha Janmukti Morcha leader Binay Tamang.

Babul Supriyo, the Union minister of state for urban development, and Jitendra Singh, the Union minister of state for development of the Northeastern Region, will be present. Morcha chief Bimal Gurung, who welcomed Ramdev on Thursday, said: "I have invited Baba Ramdev not for political reasons but for yoga as this will benefit people at large."

Ramdev will also attend an interactive session with all elected GTA members. On Saturday, he will inaugurate a steel bridge in Mungpoo and an apparel training and design centre at Sonada.