Why India needs to get over people like Baba Ramdev who thrive on controversies and media attention!

New Delhi: Baba Ramdev's transformation from yoga guru to self-proclaimed crusader has been topsy-turvy. It is really hard to imagine what he is up to. Since 2011 he has waged a fierce battle against Black Money deposited in foreign banks. He is quite vocal in his charges against Congress party and its leaders. Many believe he would eventually launch a political party and turn into a full time politician. Right now, he sees hope in BJP and plans to grow in popularity with the help of saffron party. He allegedly gave a list of candidates whom he wanted to be given Lok Sabha tickets, but later he denied having made such demands. Although he fully endorses BJP's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi, he is frequently seen arm-twisting party's leaders. In the recent video, Baba Ramdev was caught on camera murmuring to the BJP Alwar candidate Mahent Chandnath -- "Are you a fool asking and talking about money when cameras/ mic are on?" Moments before Chandnath's press conference could start, in front of a bunch of cameras and microphones, Chandnath mentioned to Baba Ramdev that "paise le aane mein badi dikat ho rahi hai" (Facing problems bringing money here) and almost immediately, Baba Ramdev shut him up saying, "yahan baat karna bandh karo, bhole ho kya? (Stop talking here; are you a fool?) Baba Ramdev, an avid supporter of Narendra Modi, has been one of most vocal campaigners against black money in the past two years. He, along with the BJP, have been repeatedly targeting the UPA government on issues ranging from corruption to poor governance. He has repeatedly organised events in which he has spoken about bring back black money stacked in banks abroad. Sometimes, it appears, Ramdev loves media attention and controversies give him necessary shot in the arm to remain relevant.

Ramdev was caught on camera, attempting to run away from the police, dressed in Salwaar-kurta in 2011.

Delhi Police cracked down on him and his supporters at Ramlila Maidan in the night, making Ramdev run for his life. .

Government claimed that he had created a law and order situation by not sticking to the assurance he gave in a letter signed his close associate Acharya Balkrishna.

The Union Minister, Mr Kapil Sibal, who was holding negotiations with Ramdev over the last few days, said there were apprehensions about law and order situation in Delhi as Ramdev had collected 50,000 people for “political aasan” (manoeuver) although he had sought permission for a yoga camp for a gathering of 5,000 only. “It was not a Yoga platform, but a political platform. The law and order had to be enforced in Delhi. We did not want any disruptions in that,” he said. Many supporters were shocked that Ramdev had given an undertaking that he will call off the fast, but during his speeches he behaved as if it was fast unto death for the noble cause. It appeared that his tacit understanding with government was only to help him prop up his image as a crusader.

There were accusations of his organisation being under the scanner of the Enforcement Directorate for violations of FEMA. With an empire of 34 companies that have an estimated turnover of nearly Rs. 1,100 crore, he runs one of the world's largest ayurvedic conglomerate.

Ambedkar stadium fast Baba Ramdev called off his six-day fast at Delhi's Ambedkar stadium on 14 August 2012 and said he was returning to Haridwar. Seeking the defeat of the Congress in 2014, he said, "Congress hatao, desh bachao (Remove Congress, save the country)", adding that except for the Congress all parties were together on the issue of black money. He abruptly called off his fast and there were allegations that he was never on complete fast and was regularly taking lemon juice.

Further, many questioned yoga guru's ability to fast as his health deteriorated very fast over a span of few days only.

Allegations of corruption and tax evasion Multiple allegations have been raised against Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna. Some of the allegations are: Baba Ramdev is involved in tax evasion. Baba Ramdev exports products that are banned in the United States. Acharya Balkrishna has fake passport. Acharya Balkrishna is a Nepali criminal who fled from Nepal to India. Acharya Balkrishna has violated the Arms Act, 1959. There have been allegations that animal parts are used in preparing medicines. Ramdev has denied this charge as being totally false, aimed at destroying his good work.

Views on AIDS, sex education and homosexuality In December 2006, Swami Ramdev claimed to improve the condition of patients suffering with AIDS through yoga and ayurvedic drugs sold by his Divya Yoga Mandir Trust. He also went on to suggest that sex education should be replaced by yoga education, as his way to AIDS awareness and prevention. As a consequence of these public statements he was sent a cease and desist order by the Indian Union Health Ministry to avoid making such claims in the future, and the civil society threatened legal action. When Delhi High Court gave a verdict under decriminalising homosexuality in Delhi, the swami called a press conference and said, "This verdict of the court will encourage criminality and sick mentality. ... This is breaking the family system in India. Homosexuality is not natural and can be treated”. In 2011 he petitioned the court to overturn the ruling. Ramdev has said that he can "cure" homosexuals within six months using "yoga, pranayam and other meditation techniques".