Presidential Election: Ramdev aspiring to be first citizen of India

Yogesh Mishra

Lucknow: Yoga guru Baba Ramdev's longstanding desire of having a strong hold on political power in the country has started to materialise. His supporters, including Vishwa Hindu Parishad, have begun lobbying for his candidature as the next President of India.

Ramdev, who had earlier exhibited his political ambitions by expressing desire to form his own political party, is currently busy in getting the equations right for his nomination for the upcoming presidential election.

Baba Ramdev has become a worldwide brand since Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made International Yoga Day a mega hit across the world.

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It may be recalled that he had worked extensively for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during the 2014 General Elections. He may also get support from Lalu Prasad Yadav, Akhilesh Yadav, Mulayam Singh Yadav, Nitish Kumar and Sharad Yadav. Over the recent times, Ramdev has been trying hard to maintain his clout in both, ruling as well as opposition camps. Moreover, he has expanded his business to such an extent that his business tycoon identity is also as well established as being a 'yoga guru'.

Ironically, the two major blockades in his run to the supreme constitutional post of the country are also VHP's support and his businessman image. This is the reason why those lobbying for Ramdev are keeping low. They, however, are trying their best to inspire BJP to project his as the candidate for the coveted post.