Ramdev, Anna to sit on day-long fast in Delhi

New Delhi, June 3 (IANS) The stage was set Sunday for the day-long joint fast by Yoga Guru Ramdev and anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare to protest against black money and corruption in the national capital.

The fast at Delhi's Jantar Mantar has been called to mark one year of Ramdev's last agitation at Ramlila ground, from where he was arrested in the middle of the night between June 3 and 4 last year.

"This is the beginning, the movement will gain momentum and by August it will take a huge form," Ramdev told reporters before starting for Rajghat.

"Crores of people in the country will be standing with us. The government needs to take concrete steps against black money as we have demanded," he said.

He also added that the sit-in is being held in various states.

At the fast site at Jantar Mantar, pictures of Rajbala, a 51-year-old woman who died after being injured in Ramdev's Ramlila ground agitation last year, were on display.

Before starting the fast, Ramdev and Anna Hazare will go to Rajghat and pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi.

Ramdev is also expected to spell out a strategy for the 2014 general elections in this agitation.

A senior police official said they have made elaborate arrangements. Besides Delhi Police personnel, 20 companies of paramilitary forces will be deployed in the area. CCTV cameras have also been fixed at the location to manage the crowd.