Congress, NCP threaten to ban Ramdev in Maharashtra

The Congress and NCP Saturday strongly protested against Baba Ramdev's comments on Rahul Gandhi, with both parties threatening to ban the yoga guru from entering Maharashtra.

"The daughters of Dalits are not stranded without shelter. Ramdev has insulted the entire Dalit community," said Nationalist Congress Party executive president Jitendra Awhad.

He termed Ramdev's statement that Rahul Gandhi visits the homes of Dalits for honeymoon and picnic as "shocking".

"Ramdev must withdraw this statement immediately and express an unconditional apology to the Dalits. Otherwise, we will not allow him to enter Maharashtra," Awhad warned.

The Congress also demanded Ramdev's arrest for his derogatory remark on Rahul Gandhi and Dalits of the country, a state spokeperson said.

"Ramdev's remarks have hurt and angered the Dalit community across the country. Unless he unconditionally tenders an apology, we shall not allow him to step into Mumbai," said Mumbai Congress Dalit cell chief Ganesh Kamble.

Angry activists also protested in Mumbai against Ramdev's remarks and demanded that he should be booked under the Prevention of Atrocities Act.