Baba Ramdev
India's yoga guru Baba Ramdev speaks at a news conference in New Delhi (file picture)Reuters

Yoga guru Baba Ramdev sparked off a controversy on Saturday by saying lobbying for Padma awards is a known fact and those with political clout get it.

Ramdev said 'politically influential people are successful in getting the awards'.

"The whole world knows that all awards from Padma Bhushan to Padma Shri are given to good people for their achievements but people do lobbying to get this award," said Ramdev on the sidelines of an event.

Earlier this year, Ramdev had declined any Padma award for him after reportedly being considered by the government for the honour.