Yoga guru Baba Ramdev has sparked a political and religious debate after saying that Muslims should not fear the idea of a “Hindu Rashtra” and claiming that people of all religions in India share the same ancestors.
Speaking at a programme held at Delhi University on Sunday to mark the 84th Prakatya Mahotsav of Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Nischalanand Saraswati, Ramdev recalled a visit to Deoband in 2009.
“There is no need for anyone to fear the concept of a Hindu Rashtra. Our religions may be different, but our ancestors are the same. The ancestors of all of us were Sanatani Hindus,” he said.
He also addressed concerns about the idea of a Hindu nation.
“Some people ask where Muslims will go if India becomes a Hindu Rashtra. I say, adopt the traditions of your ancestors. Keep a beard or shave it, wear any clothes you want, but maintain the character of your ancestors. There is no danger for Muslims or Christians in Hindustan,” Ramdev said.
Ramdev also urged people to strengthen the Gurukul tradition and said major temples across the country should help run Gurukuls and gaushalas. He added that those present at the event reaffirmed their commitment to preserving Sanatan culture and building a Hindu Rashtra.
Congress, Muslim Leaders Hit Back
Ramdev’s remarks drew criticism from Congress leader Salman Khurshid, who said India is governed by its Constitution and not by any religious ideology.
“I believe in the Constitution of India. The Constitution gives space to every faith and protects the beliefs and religion of every citizen. Whatever we believe must remain within the framework of the Constitution,” Khurshid said.
Questioning Ramdev’s statement on common ancestry, Khurshid added, “If everyone was Sanatani, then why are attempts being made to create divisions? Our thinking is guided by the Constitution, and the entire country believes in it.”
Shia cleric Maulana Saif Abbas also rejected Ramdev’s remarks, saying Muslims fear only Allah.
“For us, this country runs according to the Constitution drafted by Dr B.R. Ambedkar. Muslims do not fear anyone except Allah,” he said.
He also criticised claims that the Hindu majority is under threat despite forming nearly 80 percent of the population, calling such arguments “baseless” and a distraction from real issues.
Other Muslim Organisations Object
Several Muslim organisations also objected to Ramdev’s remarks.
Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind leader Maulana Siraj Khan questioned why such statements were being made.
“This country will run according to the Constitution. No one has the right to speak against it,” he said.
NCP (SP) national spokesperson Naseem Siddiqui also criticised Ramdev’s comments, saying India is a secular country where every citizen has the freedom to follow their religion and culture.
“India is not a Hindu nation. Such statements pose a threat to the country’s unity and harmony,” Siddiqui said.
