“‘Muslims, Christians Have Nothing to Fear’: Baba Ramdev’s ‘Hindu Rashtra’ Remark Triggers Fresh Political Storm Across India

Yoga guru Baba Ramdev says people of all religions share common ancestry and insists there is no threat to minorities in a ‘Hindu Rashtra’, drawing strong criticism from Opposition leaders who cite India’s secular Constitution.Baba Ramdev’s Remarks Ignite Nationwide Political Debate

Yoga guru Baba Ramdev has once again found himself at the centre of a political controversy after stating that Muslims and Christians have nothing to fear from the concept of a ‘Hindu Rashtra’. His comments, delivered during a public event, have sparked a heated debate, with several Opposition leaders accusing him of promoting an idea that conflicts with India’s constitutional values.

The 60-year-old yoga exponent maintained that people belonging to different religions in India share a common ancestry and should not view the idea of a Hindu nation with suspicion.

‘Our Ancestors Were the Same,’ Says Ramdev

Recalling his visit to Darul Uloom Deoband in 2009, Ramdev said he had conveyed a similar message to members of the Muslim community at the time.

According to him, while religious beliefs may differ, the historical and cultural roots of Indians remain connected. He argued that there is no reason for members of minority communities to feel insecure if discussions around a ‘Hindu Rashtra’ emerge.

Ramdev further said individuals are free to follow their own customs, traditions, clothing, and personal practices while embracing what he described as the values inherited from their ancestors. He added that Muslims and Christians face no danger in India and should not fear such narratives.

Opposition Leaders Raise Constitutional Questions

The remarks quickly attracted criticism from several Opposition leaders, who questioned both the message and the implications of the statement.

Senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid said that if everyone shares the same civilisational roots, there is little justification for creating divisions in society. He urged those advocating the idea of a Hindu nation to clearly explain what it means in the context of India’s constitutional framework.

AIMIM, SP and NCP Leaders Respond

AIMIM spokesperson Waris Pathan strongly opposed Ramdev’s statement, asserting that India derives its identity from the Constitution, which defines the nation as a secular republic. He said no individual or organisation has declared India a Hindu Rashtra and stressed that citizens continue to place their faith in constitutional values.

Samajwadi Party leader Fakhrul Hasan Chaand alleged that such discussions often divert public attention from pressing governance and economic issues. According to him, people remain more concerned about everyday challenges than ideological debates.

Meanwhile, NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) spokesperson Naseem Siddiqui reiterated that India’s strength lies in its secular character, where every citizen enjoys equal rights regardless of religion. He cautioned that statements capable of creating religious divisions could affect social harmony.

Debate Over ‘Hindu Rashtra’ Continues

The latest controversy has once again brought the ‘Hindu Rashtra’ debate into the national spotlight. While supporters view such discussions as part of India’s cultural identity, critics argue that the country’s democratic framework is firmly rooted in the principles of secularism and equal citizenship.

As political reactions continue to pour in, Ramdev’s comments have reignited conversations over religion, identity, and the interpretation of India’s constitutional values, making the issue one of the most discussed political developments of the day.