Breaking his silence on the police action at Ramdev's protest congregation, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said it was "unfortunate" but unavoidable even as the political battle on the issue heated up with the BJP knocking at the President's door demanding a special session of Parliament to discuss black money.
In his first comments on the issue, the Prime Minister Singh, who has been accused of mishandling the situation, said, "It is unfortunate that operation had to be conducted but quite honestly, there was no alternative."
He asserted that his government was concerned and serious about fighting corruption but maintained that there was "no magic wand" when his comments were sought by reporters on the much-criticised midnight police action to disrupt Ramdev's anti-corruption protest at Ramlila Maidan.
There was no let up in the war of words with the Congress making it clear that it will deal sternly with forces of communalism and anarchy.
Stepping up its offensive againt the UPA government, a delegation of BJP-led NDA met President Pratibha Patil to demand convening of a special session of Parliament to discuss the issue of black money and police action against Ramdev and his supporters.
A day after the forcible shutting of the protest by Ramdev by Delhi police in Ramlila Maidan, the Supreme Court took suo motu cognizance asking the Government to explain the circumstances which compelled to take "brutal" action at the Ramlila Maidan.
In Haridwar, Ramdev resumed his fast vowing to continue his 'satyagraha' till the Government accepts his demands on curbing corruption and black money.
