Ramdev banned from holding meetings in Lucknow until 16 May

‘We had earlier taken an affidavit from Ramdev and the organisers of the event that only yoga programmes will be held by his organisation and that no remarks will be made which could hurt any religion or community. But that didn’t happen. We will not allow him to hold any meeting till the elections are over - 16 May,’ said district magistrate Raj Shekhar on Sunday.

Ramdev drew flak from various sections following his controversial ‘honeymoon’ remark against Rahul Gandhi. An FIR was also registered against him after he, at a gathering in Lucknow on Friday, said Gandhi ‘goes to houses of Dalits for honeymoon and picnic’. Ramdev later apologised for the remarks. 

The ban comes in the backdrop of the Election Commission’s fresh guidelines against making ‘malicious’ statements about the private life of individuals and said those who do this would not be allowed to hold programmes during polls if they violated the orders. ‘They should not indulge in any activities or make any statements that would amount to attack on personal life of any person or statements that may be malicious or offending decency and morality,’ the EC had said without naming Ramdev. Two separate FIRs were filed against Ramdev on Sunday, including one by Uttar Pradesh police, for his derisory remarks made in Lucknow.

The Congress has demanded the arrest of Ramdev. Party leader Rashid Alvi said, Ramdev has insulted the Dalit community and there are certain crimes, which should not be pardoned. Congress spokesperson Neem Afzal said Ramdev should be arrested and cases should be slapped against him under the SC and ST Act.