Yoga guru Baba Ramdev can do yoga in Delhi, but not politics : Election Commission

New Delhi – In a big relief to yoga guru Baba Ramdev, the Election Commission has allowed him to run a yoga camp in the national capital from Thursday but with a rider that it should not be used for political purposes.

According to reports, the Election Commission gave its nod while disposing of a complaint against Baba Ramdev’s plan to run a yoga camp at Dwarka in Delhi.

The poll panel also cautioned the organisers of the yoga camp that there should be no formal or publicised inauguration or closing ceremonies for the events attended by political figures as chief guests or special invitees.

It also said that no distribution of any publicity material in any medium (print, electronic or digital) of any political party shall be permitted at the camp.

Organisers should be directed to ensure that the venue for the camp is not used for political campaigning by anybody,” EC said.

It added that any violation of its instructions, including by the organisers, will invite strict action under the relevant laws/rules and the Model Code of Conduct, including withdrawal of the permission to hold the camp.

“Organisers may also be informed that any direct/indirect political message from the camp will be viewed seriously and the entire expenditure for it will then be treated as having been made on election campaigning.”

(The expenses will be then) booked under relevant provisions of the election expenditure of contesting candidates under the Representation of the People Act, 1951,” it said.

EC also asked local authorities to get an undertaking from the organisers that they will adhere to all the conditions laid down before them. It also asked for the camp to be video-graphed.