INSIDE STORY: Why Baba Ramdev's position isn't enviable

In an unprecedented political move, the United Progressive Alliance government's representatives, led by none other than Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, went all out to woo Baba Ramdev.

The yoga guru-turned-anti-corruption crusader is all set to start his indefinite fast on June 4 with many demands that includes the issue of getting back black money stashed abroad, the Land Acquisition Bill, genetically modified food, farmers's issues and withdrawing currency notes of higher denomination from the economy.

Surely, it was a scene to watch when India's most experienced and powerful men reached New Delhi airport before Baba Ramdev's chartered flight from Madhya Pradesh landed. Pranabbabu's wait for Baba Ramdev was worth it, thinks a senior Congressman, because he claims, the yoga guru is quite mellower now.

If Baba Ramdev is cajoled to tone down his campaign, then the grassroots movement for a stronger Lokpal Bill gets weaker. The distance between the social activist Anna Hazare-led team and Baba Ramdev's resources and followers helps the government.

Many leaders in government say that even when the Hindu Marriage Act was amended or the reorganisation of states took place, such a 'joint' committee was not formed.

In view of the government's deep displeasure with the Anna Hazare-led team's demand for a stringent Lokpal Bill, it is important that Baba Ramdev does not add to the UPA's woes.

It is becoming clear that the Lokpal Bill, if and when comes before Parliament, will be of the government's choice only.

The meeting was cordial, but an officer took detailed notes. Some ministers noted down points Baba Ramdev made.

After the talks, Baba Ramdev and his confidante Acharya Balkrishna held a private meeting with the four ministers and the Cabinet Secretary. Ramdev told the others to leave the room. That meeting went on for more than 30 minutes.

A source in the government, who was privy to the backroom dealing with Baba Ramdev, said, "You can't say the talks failed. Baba will go on fast, but he will not provoke!"

Government respresentatives, after meeting Baba Ramdev, thinks the fast will not snowball into a movement against the UPA.

The government source said that at no point did Mukherjee or any other minister tell Baba Ramdev to abandon his plan to go on a fast.

One person present at the meeting said, "Baba welcomed Pranabda very warmly. He made him (Mukherjee) feel comfortable, saying that his stature is bigger than his (Baba Ramdev) and he is known all over India. The ministers found Baba quite simple and easy to talk to."

Mukherjee has often said he cannot be a contender for the prime minister's post because he does not know Hindi. On Wednesday he needed assistance only twice. His colleagues were pleasantly surprised to see him speak Hindi effortlessly.

Once, while discussing an agriculture-related issue, Baba Ramdev told the ministers that the minimum support price should take into the account the actual cost (lagat in Hindi) of farming. Mukherjee had to be informed about the meaning of lagat.

Since invitations have been issued and his followers are slated to reach New Delhi, Baba Ramdev is unable to cancel his programme of yoga sessions at the Ramlila Maidan and his fast at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.

The next couple of days are crucial when Baba Ramdev faces more pressure from the government and also from Anna Hazare's team.

At one point during the meeting, Baba Ramdev spelled out his predicament that he did not want to be seen to be singing the government's tune.

The UPA government decided to go for the kill because their assessment is that Baba Ramdev has a huge following and the present situation does not favour the government. So it is not ready to take any chances.

When Baba Ramdev wrote a long letter to Dr Manmohan Singh, the prime minister replied.

The government then became pro-active and sent Central Board of Direct Taxes Chairman Sudhir Chandra to brief Baba Ramdev on the issue of black money, both inside and outside the country.

After this, Baba Ramdev took a U-turn on the Jan Lokpal Bill that surprised the Hazare camp.

At the end of the day, Baba Ramdev can take satisfaction that the might of the government came to his door with humble requests, but on the other side, he has a difficult task to save his reputation.

When the meeting ended, the government team had a feeling that Baba Ramdev's fast would not vitiate the atmosphere or embarrass the government.

"Pranab ka asar to hua hain (Pranab's presence has made the difference)," a senior Congressman said.