Union Minister of State for Sports and Information and Broadcasting Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore performed pranayam with Baba Ramdev before filing his nomination papers for the Jaipur Rural seat on Tuesday, 16 April.
Ramdev asked Rathore, Rajya Sabha MLA Kirori Lal Meena, who was accompanying him, and former legislator Rajendra Singh, to perform pranayam upon reaching the returning officer’s chamber.
Addressing the crowd gathered, Ramdev said, “Yoga was necessary for those who fight battles. Nobody can complain about pranayam to the Election Commission,” reported NDTV.
Ramdev went on to say that politics is in the doldrums today because people don’t do yoga.
‘Only Modi Can Protect Nation’
Ramdev attended the filing of the nomination along with Rathore’s wife Gayatri, MLA Satish Punia, former MLA Rao Rajendra Singh and Rajya Sabha MP Kirorilal Meena.
Speaking on the occasion, Ramdev asked everyone to vote for Rathore. “I have come here to shower my blessings on Rathore. I strongly believe that the country is in safe hands when Narendra Modi is the prime minister. So let's all ensure that the BJP sends its MPs to Parliament to get a clear majority,” he said.
The yoga guru also stressed that only Prime Minister Narendra Modi can protect the nation.
“To make India a world economic and political superpower in next 20-25 years, we have to make Modi stronger. In his hands, the country is safe; the future of our jawans is safe, honour and respect of women is safe and farms of farmers are safe.”Ramdev, Yoga Guru
Addressing a public meeting in support of BJP candidate from Jaipur Rural constituency and Union Minister Rajyavardhan Rathore, Ramdev said it was not about an individual but about the character and personality of Modi who was "the pride of Bharat Mata".
Ramdev said that only Modi can take the guarantee of not only protecting the borders, but to protect the whole nation.
Time to Punish Congress: Rathore
In his address, Rathore said that the 2019 Lok Sabha election is about the development work done by the Modi government in five years as he slammed the Congress for failing to ensure the country's overall progress despite being in power for 50 years.
The Congress is talking about 'Nyay' and 'Ab Hoga Nyay' but what has it achieved so far, he asked.
"Now is the time to punish them. 'Nyay' will happen now at every booth and will be delivered by the public. Voters will do justice now," he said indicating that the BJP will win the polls.
Rathore takes on sitting MLA and Congress candidate Krishna Punia in Jaipur Rural. Both the candidates are sport stars and former Olympians, who have brought fame to the nation. The former Army officer is contesting the seat for the second time.
The 25 constituencies in Rajasthan go to the polls in two phases. The Jaipur Rural constituency votes in the fifth phase on 6 May. The last date for filing of nominations is 18 April. The nomination papers will be scrutinised on 20 April and names can be withdrawn until 22 April.
(With inputs from PTI, NDTV and IANS)
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)