Yoga guru Ramdev has said there is no reason for people to fear the concept of a "Hindu Rashtra", maintaining that Muslims and Christians are not under threat in India.
The 60-year-old yoga teacher, who has built a vast business around yoga camps and ayurvedic products, also claimed that people across religions share the same ancestry.
Recalling a visit to the Islamic seminary at Deoband in Uttar Pradesh in 2009, Ramdev said he had conveyed the same message during his interaction there.
"There is a Deoband near Haridwar. I was invited there in 2009, and I told them, "Our religions may differ, but our ancestors are the same. There is no need for anyone to fear the concept of a 'Hindu Rashtra'. The ancestors of us all were Sanatani Hindu Arya-Vedics. This is written right in front of us," Ramdev said, recalling his 2009 visit to the Islamic seminary in Uttar Pradesh.
Ramdev further addressed concerns about what a Hindu Rashtra would mean for religious minorities, saying there was no danger for Muslims or Christians in the country.
"Some people ask, if a Hindu Rashtra is established, where will Muslims go? Simply embrace the traditions of your ancestors. You may keep a beard or shave it off; wear any attire you choose, but maintain a character like that of your ancestors. There is no danger in Hindustan for Muslims or Christians," he said.
His remarks drew criticism from leaders across several opposition parties.
Senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid questioned the logic behind calls for a Hindu Rashtra if everyone was considered Sanatani.
"There is no need to panic, but ask those who talk about a Hindu Rashtra. Ask them, ask Baba Ramdev. He has made this statement, hasn't he? How can I tell what is in their minds or in what context they are saying this? If everyone is Sanatani, then why are attempts being made to create so many divisions here? Accept everyone as Sanatani, why are attempts being made to create divisions?" asked the Congress leader.
Waris Pathan, national spokesperson of Asaduddin Owaisi's All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), said India is governed by the Constitution, which defines the country as a secular republic.
"First of all this country runs on the Constitution and will continue to do so; who told you it has become a 'Hindu Rashtra'? I would like to ask the PM, has our country been declared a Hindu nation? A Muslim does not fear anyone. We abide by the law and express our views within the framework of the Constitution... Do you even realise what you are saying? Respect the Constitution. Speak within the confines of the Constitution. Stop spreading hatred like this," the AIMIM spokesperson said.
Samajwadi Party leader Fakhrul Hasan Chaand alleged that the statement was intended to divert attention from more pressing national issues and accused the BJP of promoting such debates to avoid accountability.
"I advise people like Baba Ramdev not to divert the public's minds from the issues of the country," Chaand said. "The BJP has brought forward people who will discuss 'Hindu rashtra'... The country will not divert from its issues."
Naseem Siddiqui, national spokesperson for Sharad Pawar's party, also criticised the remarks, saying India's secular character and religious diversity must be upheld.
"I strongly condemn this statement. First of all, India is not a Hindu nation. India is a secular country founded on the principle of equal respect for all religions. People are free to wear what they choose, practice their faith, and follow their religious customs. Statements of this kind pose a serious threat to the country's unity and integrity. No one can deny that harmony and brotherhood should prevail in the nation," Siddiqui said.
