Ramdev's Hindu Rashtra remark sparks row: clerics object, Congress hits back
Synopsis
Yoga Guru Ramdev's claim that all Indians share Sanatani Hindu ancestors — and that a Hindu Rashtra should not alarm minorities — has drawn condemnation from Muslim clerics and a split response from Congress. The row exposes the recurring tension between majoritarian cultural assertions and constitutional guarantees of equal faith.
Key Takeaways
Ramdev said at a weekend event that the concept of a 'Hindu Rashtra' should not be feared, claiming all Indians share common Sanatani Hindu Arya-Vedic ancestors.
AIMPLB member Maulana Khalid Rasheed Firangi Mahali stressed that religious leaders must promote 'love, harmony and mutual brotherhood.' Shia leader Saif Abbas said such statements are 'not appropriate' and reaffirmed every citizen's constitutional right to practise their own faith.
Congress leader Salman Khurshid questioned why divisions were being created if all are considered Sanatani; Congress MP Akhilesh Prasad Singh partially agreed with Ramdev's historical framing.
AIMIM spokesperson Waris Pathan warned Ramdev to stay within constitutional limits and said Muslim silence should not be mistaken for fear.
Yoga Guru Ramdev's assertion that the concept of a 'Hindu Rashtra' should not alarm minorities has ignited a fresh political and religious controversy in New Delhi, with prominent Muslim clerics pushing back sharply and the Indian National Congress (INC) accusing him of attempting to deepen communal divisions. The remarks were made at a public event over the weekend and drew swift condemnation across religious and political lines.
What Ramdev Said
Speaking at the event, Ramdev argued that the idea of a Hindu Rashtra ought not to be viewed with fear, contending that all Indians share common ancestors regardless of their faith. He recalled a visit to the Deoband Islamic seminary near Haridwar in 2009, during which he reportedly told clerics: '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 all of us were Sanatani Hindu Arya-Vedics. This is written right in front of us,' Ramdev said, according to reports of the event.
Clerics Voice Strong Disapproval
Maulana Khalid Rasheed Firangi Mahali, a member of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), responded by emphasising that religious leaders of all faiths carry a responsibility to foster 'love, harmony and mutual brotherhood.' He stopped short of directly naming Ramdev but made clear that personal choices — including in matters of dress and faith — should not be subject to public prescription.
Shia religious leader Saif Abbas was more direct, stating: 'It's not appropriate for any religious leader to make such statements. Every person has a right to follow their own religion. Our country is governed by the Constitution and under the law, every individual has the right to practice his own faith and live life accordingly.'
Yasoob Abbas of the All India Shia Personal Law Board called for language that promotes unity rather than identity-based distinctions, saying leaders 'should speak about bringing everyone together.'
Congress Divided in Its Response
Congress leader Salman Khurshid questioned the intent behind Ramdev's framing, asking: 'If everyone is Sanatani, then why are attempts being made to create so many divisions? Accept everyone as Sanatani; why are attempts being made to create division?' Khurshid directed his challenge squarely at Ramdev, questioning what context justified such remarks.
However, Congress MP Akhilesh Prasad Singh offered a notably more measured response, partially agreeing with Ramdev's broader historical point. 'I agree with him to the extent that people here are not outsiders. If you go back around 600 years, many Muslims in Kashmir had converted from Hinduism,' Singh said, though he stopped short of endorsing the Hindu Rashtra framing.
AIMIM Warns Against Constitutional Overreach
Waris Pathan, spokesperson of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), advised Ramdev to remain within constitutional boundaries. 'Baba, Muslims do not fear anyone. We conduct ourselves within the framework. Do not mistake our silence for fear. You do not abide by the Constitution, so why talk about fear or panic?' Pathan said.
The controversy adds to a pattern of periodic flashpoints over majoritarian rhetoric in public discourse, with the political fallout likely to intensify as opposition parties look to frame the remarks ahead of upcoming electoral cycles.
Point of View
The statement conflates cultural history with constitutional identity in a way that clerics and opposition leaders are right to scrutinise. The Congress response, notably split between Khurshid's challenge and Singh's partial agreement, reflects the party's enduring difficulty in articulating a coherent counter-narrative on Hindu identity politics. The more significant question the mainstream coverage underplays is whether such statements, however framed as inclusive, functionally narrow the space for religious pluralism in public life.
NationPress
13 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Ramdev say about Hindu Rashtra?
Ramdev said the concept of a 'Hindu Rashtra' should not be feared, arguing that all Indians share common Sanatani Hindu Arya-Vedic ancestors regardless of their current religion. He made the remarks at a public event over the weekend, recalling a 2009 visit to the Deoband seminary near Haridwar.
How did Muslim clerics respond to Ramdev's remarks?
Senior clerics from the AIMPLB and the All India Shia Personal Law Board rejected the remarks, with Shia leader Saif Abbas calling them 'not appropriate' and reaffirming every citizen's constitutional right to practise their own faith. AIMPLB member Maulana Khalid Rasheed Firangi Mahali urged all religious leaders to promote harmony and brotherhood.
What was the Congress party's reaction?
Congress was divided. Leader Salman Khurshid challenged Ramdev directly, questioning why divisions were being created if everyone is considered Sanatani. Congress MP Akhilesh Prasad Singh, however, partially agreed with Ramdev's historical point that many Muslims in India are descendants of converts from Hinduism.
What did AIMIM say about Ramdev's comments?
AIMIM spokesperson Waris Pathan advised Ramdev to stay within constitutional limits and warned him not to mistake Muslim silence for fear. Pathan said Muslims conduct themselves within the constitutional framework and urged Ramdev to do the same.
Why does the Hindu Rashtra debate matter in India?
India's Constitution guarantees equal rights to citizens of all faiths, and any assertion of a religious national identity raises questions about minority rights and constitutional secularism. The debate recurs periodically and is often amplified ahead of elections, making it a barometer of the country's communal temperature.
