Ramdev brings farmer suicides in focus, says Land Acquisition Act must be abolished

New Delhi: 12.10 pm: Ramdev raises farmer suicides issue, saying the Land Acquisition Act needed to be abolished.

12.05 pm: "I have no comments for those who cannot understand our mission after making it this clear," says Ramdev.

12.01 pm: Ramdev says that Rajbala, one of his female followers who was beaten up by the police last year was a martyr as she "gave her life for our cause". "She is a martyr. We are proud of her," he adds.

Ramdev also asked PM Manmohan Singh to set the example by following the principles of honesty and integrity.

11.55 am: "We will see some big faces on this platform very soon," says Ramdev

11.49 am: Ramdev says, "We have given our agenda. Now it's time for the political parties to take a stand. Till they don't, we will not leave from here."

He adds, "UPA needs to tell the country its stand on black money and corruption. We give them time till tomorrow."

11.40 am: Ramdev asks PM to follow the principle of honesty and integrity in his personal and professional capacities. He adds, "If black money comes back, the prices of commodity will reduce... taxes will reduce," further adding that black money will solve the problem of Naxals and Maoists.

11.00 am: Focusing on increasing mass support, Ramdev yet again urges people to join his movement and asks them to celebrate Janmashtami with him at Ramlila Maidan.

10.00 am: Day two of the anti-corruption movement launched by yoga guru Ramdev saw him giving a clarion call to the people across the country to come and join in his fight against corruption. The yoga guru, who is on a three-day "symbolic" fast against graft, asked his followers to display by a show of hands who wished to join him in Haridwar as trainees against corruption, for a period of three years.

On agenda on Friday is the unending farmer suicides across the country.

9.00 am: Ramdev began the day with yoga.

On Thursday, Ramdev asked the government to legislate a strong anti-corruption ombudsman, set up an independent appointment process for the CBI chief, election commissioners, CVC and CAG and ensure the return of black money.

He also clarified that he was not interested in entering politics, but expressed willingness to speak to any political leader, including Sonia Gandhi on ways to fight corruption.

"I am not against any political party. We don't aim to dislodge anyone from power. My doors are also open for Sonia Gandhi. I have no political agenda. My only agenda is to protect our nation's prosperity. I am sitting on a symbolic fast for 3 days," Ramdev said.

With his three-day fast against black money, Ramdev also seems to be shifting the Lokpal Bill battle away from Anna Hazare and his team. He has vowed to expose all those involved in tax evasion and money laundering. He claimed that he has no political agenda and that he is open to talks with all political parties. Approximately 15,000 people were present at the venue on Thursday.

Anna Hazare was not present on the first day of the fast though he had earlier declared that he will join the protest. However, Ramdev said that Anna Hazare was still supporting him and that the fight for the Lokpal bill wasn't yet over. Speaking at the Ramlila Maidan, Ramdev said, "The government will be forced to bring Lokpal."

Ramdev's protest comes a week after Anna Hazare called off his fast and disbanded his team which has decided to take a political plunge.

Ramdev's symbolic fast ends on Saturday.

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