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This article was first published 13 years ago

We had no option: PM on Ramdev crackdown

Last updated on: June 6, 2011 20:40 IST

Image: Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh

In his first comments on the police action at Ramdev's protest congregation, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday termed it as "unfortunate" but justified it saying there was "no alternative".

He asserted that his government was "concerned" and "serious" about fighting corruption but maintained that there was "no magic wand" to do so.

...

'The govt is serious, but there is no magic wand'

Image: A Baba Ramdev supporter being dragged away by the police
Photographs: Reuters

"It is unfortunate that operation had to be conducted but quite honestly, there was no alternative," Singh told mediapersons when asked to comment on the much-criticised midnight police action to disrupt Ramdev's anti-corruption protest at Ramlila Maidan.

On the issue of corruption being flagged by civil society activists and parties, the prime minister said, "The government is serious and we are concerned about corruption and black money. There is no doubt. But there is no magic wand."

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'It is for you people to judge'

Image: Lakhs turned up in support of Anna Hazare when he went on a fast unto death in April

With regard to demands that the Prime Minister should be brought under the purview of Lokpal, Singh refused to comment saying the issue was before the joint drafting committee comprising ministers and members from civil society.

Singh, who was talking to reporters on the sidelines of function organised by Hindi daily Rajasthan Patrika, was asked about his assessment of his two years in office. "It is for you people to judge," he said.
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