In Uttar Pradesh, the Lucknow district authorities today imposed a ban on Yoga teacher Ramdev from holding any public meeting or press conference in Lucknow district. The ban will be inforce till 16th May. It, however applies to Lucknow only and not the rest of Uttar Pradesh.

AIR Lucknow correspondent reports that two separate FIRs were filed on Saturday against Ramdev, one by UP police and another by an individual, for his controversial remarks that Rahul Gandhi visited Dalits' homes for honeymoon. The Election Commission yesterday came out with fresh guidelines against making malicious statements about the private life of individuals. It said those who do this will not be allowed to hold programmes during polls.

Meanwhile, the Dalit community is up in arms against Ramdev for his controversial remark on Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi. Some Dalit organisations in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar have given a call to vote against the BJP as Ramdev is a supporter of the BJP.

The Congress party has condemned the attack on Rahul and demanded an unconditional apology from Ramdev.

Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati has threatened to launch a nationwide strike if Ramdev is not arrested. She requested the Election Commission to take strict action against Ramdev .

Senior BJP leader Yashwant Sinha said Ramdev should not have made the comment. After facing criticism across the political divide, Ramdev had yesterday apologised for the statement.