Baba Ramdev reaches Darjeeling, steers clear of Gorkhaland issue

Upon his much-awaited arrival in Darjeeling this evening, yoga guru Baba Ramdev ( See photos here: Baba Ramdev in Darjeeling ) skirted questions on the demand for a Gorkhaland state saying it was a political issue. In the same breath however, he said he respected the sentiments of the people.
On his maiden visit to the Darjeeling hills to conduct a three-day yoga camp from April 17 to 19 being hosted by the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration, Ramdev received a humongous welcome as he arrived in a motorcade from Bagdogra airport.
Sitting astride his disciple Balkrishna Acharya and GTA chief executive Bimal Gurung, the yoga teacher said, “Gurungji is here to talk about Gorkhaland. It is a political issue and is attached with the sentiments of the people. However, any issue that is in the interest of the nation and its people will always get my respect.”
When asked about the actual purpose behind Ramdev’s visit, Gurung said it was his long cherished dream to bring the yoga master to the hills for a camp.
“Please, let me make it clear that Baba Ramdev is here to conduct a yoga camp and his visit has nothing to do with politics,” said Gurung.
Baba Ramdev will conduct the camp from 5am to 7.30am at Chowrastha. We have placed 15 LED screens in and around Chowrastha and at the Gorkha Ranga Manch Bhawan.”
The GTA has also requested Ramdev to establish a unit of the Patanjali Yogapeeth in Darjeeling and he has replied in the affirmative. “I have been asked to set up a Yogpeeth in Darjeeling. The Himalaya and the
northeast region are a treasure of trove of several medicinal and herbal plants. You will get a unit of the Patanjali Yogapeeth very soon,” said Ramdev. Gurung said the GTA would identify the land for the Patanjali Yogapeeth unit.
During his stay the yoga guru will inaugurate a steel bridge at JogiGhat in Mungpoo, 28km from Darjeeling. The bridge will connect Mungpoo with Latpanchar. (EOIC)