india

Updated: Apr 18, 2014 08:28 IST

Yoga guru Ramdev on Thursday faced embarrassment when, at a press conference, he didn't let BJP candidate Mahant Chandnath Yogi speak about the "difficulty in getting money for electioneering". A microphone that was on gave him away.

Yogi, contesting from Alwar constituency against Union minister Jitendra Singh, was reportedly given election ticket at Ramdev's insistence.

The yoga guru, who has been vocal against black money stashed abroad, addressed a press conference in Alwar on Wednesday. Before the conference began, Yogi told Ramdev, "We are facing a lot of problems in getting money from anywhere….."

Ramdev interrupted Yogi, saying, "Do not speak about this issue (money) here. Aap bawle ho kya (Are you an idiot?)"

The embarrassment was quite visible on faces of both Ramdev and Yogi.

Later, when countered about the issue, Ramdev dodged media queries and left the venue without answering reporters' queries. Yogi said they did not discuss about money and the media was unnecessarily creating fuss.

The issue has, however, provided ammo to the Congress, which is facing widespread anti-incumbency in Lok Sabha elections in Rajasthan.

Congress spokesperson Archana Sharma said BJP prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi's aide Ramdev has misguided the nation with his tirade against black money.

"Reality is that Ramdev and his followers have huge black money. He not only secured ticket for his followers on the basis of black money, but is also pushing black money for campaigning. We have sought action from Election commission and Rajasthan election department," she said.