Ramdev, Anna protests 'timely': Gen V.K. Singh (Supersedes earlier story)

Vrindavan (Uttar Pradesh), June 4 (IANS) Former Indian Army chief General V.K. Singh has said the anti-corruption campaigns by Anna Hazare and Baba Ramdev are 'timely and valid'.

After offering prayers at the Banke Bihari temple here, Gen Singh, who retired May 31, said Sunday that corruption was a major issue and it was up to the government to devise ways to tackle it.

He was asked to comment on the campaigns launched by yoga guru Ramdev and anti-corruption crusader Hazare who fasted in Delhi Sunday.

Talking to reporters, he said that while there were many issues facing the nation, he did not have any immediate plan to join politics.

Gen. Singh refused to talk about his 42-year tenure with the Indian Army, and merely said that he came to Vrindavan to pray.

He hoped the government would do all it can to maintain the honour of the armed forces.

'At the end all was good and I wanted to thank God for his blessings,' he added.