Indians shouted patriotic slogans and listened to a rousing speech from a charismatic yoga guru who began fasting Thursday to pressure the government to bring back billions of ill-gotten gains so-called black money citizens have stashed in foreign banks.

Supporters of Baba Ramdev jammed traffic across New Delhi as they walked to the sprawling Ramlila fairgrounds and buses from nearby states converged on the capital. About 20,000 people pledged their support for Ramdev's campaign to wipe out tax evasion and endemic corruption in India.

Squatting on the ground and fanning themselves with bits of cardboard in the sweltering monsoon heat, supporters cheered as Ramdev spoke.

"I am not against any political party. My protest is only to end black money and to bring back to this country what rightfully belongs to the people of India," he announced from a 20-foot high platform constructed at the end of a vast tent.

Though poor acoustics made it difficult to hear Ramdev, his supporters were unfazed, saying they already knew what he stood for.

"He is our hope for the future. He will save this country from the politicians," said Amulya Kumar, a farm laborer from Bihar, who was holding a small bundle of clothes and food.

Along with his teenage nephew, Kumar had traveled two days by train from Bihar's poverty-stricken Munger district for the rally.

Millions of Indians tune in every day to watch Ramdev perform yoga exercises on his popular TV show. In the past few years he has transformed his popularity as a yoga guru to highlight his campaign against corruption.

AP

Ramdev said he would not eat for three days and outlined his demands: a robust ombudsman law to keep checks on government, a strong and independent Central Bureau of Investigation and efforts to act against tax evasion and illegal money sent to banks abroad.

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Yoga Guru Holds Anti-Graft Protest in India