Missing aide of Ramdev surfaces, says he is an Indian of Nepali origin

Mangalore Today News Network

NEW DELHI,Jun 8 (PTI) : Acharya Balkrishna, a key aide of Baba Ramdev who had gone missing since the police crackdown at the Ramlila Maidan on Saturday, resurfaced in Haridwar today.

Balkrishna on Tuesday rubbished the Congress’ claims that he was a Nepali citizen and had forged an Indian passport, terming the comments a "cruel joke", IANS reported.

"I was born in Haridwar and was educated here. I’ve done all my research work here and would die here too. There are 1.5 crore just like me who are staying in this country," Balkrishna told reporters here.

"If my parents gave birth to me in India, I am a legal citizen of this country, according to the constitution. Why can’t people deal with this fact? It is a cruel joke," he added.

The Congress had accused Balkrishna of being a Nepalese criminal who had sought asylum in India.

"Balkrishna Acharya, who is seen alongside Ramdev, is a citizen of Nepal and a criminal who sought asylum in India. There should be an inquiry into how he managed to get an Indian passport," party general secretary Digvijay Singh had said.

Meanwhile, speaking on the post-midnight crackdown Saturday on Baba Ramdev and his supporters at Delhi’s Ramlila Ground, Balkrishna said: "Democracy was attacked that night but we will continue to fight till our last breath. Crores of Indians have stood up today and are ready to give up their lives for the cause."