New Delhi:
A YouTube clip has added the latest chapter to the drama of Baba Ramdev's fast. The yoga guru ended his nine-day hunger strike against corruption on Sunday in Dehradun, after visits by high-profile leaders like spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravishankar and the BJP's Sushma Swaraj.
The YouTube clip, uploaded by a user named "GBJournalist" shows the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Ramesh Pokhriyal, in a lengthy phone conversation with someone he refers to repeatedly as "Babuji." That's LK Advani, according to some in the BJP. However, at no point does Mr Pokhriyal refer to Mr Advani by name.
The phone conversation is purported to take place a few hours before Baba Ramdev ended his fast. Mr Pokhriyal reveals that he has been in constant touch with sri Sri and with Baba Ramdev about when the yoga teacher would end his fast. Different times were discussed, he says. He also tells "Babuji" that he has kept Ms Swaraj posted about the situation.
The Congress is likely to use this video to reiterate its claim that Baba Ramdev's "satyagraha" against corruption was backed by the BJP and its parent body, the RSS. However, those close to the Chief Minister point out that he was merely doing his job - trying to accomplish a breakthrough in a complicated situation.
Watch the YouTube clip and analysis here.