The 60-year-old yoga guru, who has built a large business empire through yoga programmes and ayurvedic products, said that people across religions share common ancestry. He stated that "our ancestors are the same" while recalling his 2009 visit to Deoband near Haridwar, where he was invited to address members of an Islamic seminary.
Ramdev said, "Our religions may differ, but our ancestors are the same. There is no need for anyone to fear the concept of a Hindu nation. The ancestors of all of us followed ancient Hindu Vedic traditions. This is written clearly before us."
He further advised minority communities not to fear such a concept and said people should follow the traditions associated with their ancestors. Ramdev stated that individuals may choose their appearance and clothing according to their preferences but should maintain the values and character of their ancestors. He added that Muslims and Christians face no danger in India.
The remarks triggered criticism from several political leaders. Congress leader Salman Khurshid questioned why divisions were being created if everyone was being described as part of the same cultural tradition.
"There is no need to panic, but those who speak about a Hindu nation should be questioned. Ask Baba Ramdev about the context of his statement. If everyone belongs to the same tradition, why are attempts being made to create so many divisions? Everyone should be accepted equally, so why are efforts being made to create differences?" Khurshid said.
Waris Pathan, national spokesperson of AIMIM, said India functions according to the Constitution, which defines the country as a secular republic. He questioned whether India had been declared a Hindu nation and said Muslims do not fear anyone while following the law and expressing views within the constitutional framework.
"First of all, this country runs on the Constitution and will continue to do so. Who has said that it has become a Hindu nation? A Muslim does not fear anyone. We follow the law and express our views within the Constitution. Respect the Constitution, speak within its limits, and stop spreading hatred," Pathan said.
Fakhrul Hasan Chaand, a leader of the Socialist Party, alleged that Ramdev's remarks were aimed at diverting public attention from major national challenges. He accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of promoting such discussions to avoid accountability.
"I advise people like Baba Ramdev not to divert public attention from the country's issues. The ruling party has brought forward people who discuss a Hindu nation, but the country will not move away from its real problems," Chaand said.
Naseem Siddiqui, national spokesperson of the party led by Sharad Pawar, strongly condemned Ramdev's statement and said India is a secular country based on equal respect for all religions.
Siddiqui said people have the freedom to choose their clothing, practise their faith, and follow religious customs. He added that statements of this nature threaten national unity and integrity and stressed that harmony and brotherhood must continue to prevail.
The controversy has renewed debate over the idea of a Hindu nation, constitutional secularism, and religious harmony in India, with political leaders questioning the implications of such statements and calling for adherence to constitutional principles.
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