‘I do not need a certificate from anyone’: Ramdev hits back at Brij Bhushan

Yoga guru Baba Ramdev on Sunday hit back at former BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh over his reported remarks about him, saying he did not need a “certificate” from anyone for his contribution to yoga, Ayurveda and the promotion of swadeshi.

Ramdev was speaking to mediapersons in Karnal, where he inaugurated the newly constructed first and second floors of the hostel building at Ved Vidya Gurukulam in Nalvi Khurd village.

“I have nothing to say about a person whose thinking is petty and cheap,” Ramdev said, adding that his contribution to yoga, Ayurveda and swadeshi was well known.

He also defended Patanjali products, saying there was no question mark over their quality when tested in “world-class laboratories”. He said people who made “big claims but cheap remarks” did not deserve a response from him.

Singh had recently criticised Ramdev, his products and brand, as well as his campaign for swadeshi, at an event in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh.

Singh was responding to Ramdev's reported warning of launching a movement and challenged the yoga guru to come forward and lead a protest himself rather than merely making statements. He also criticised Ramdev's earlier swadeshi campaign and questioned the quality of products associated with his brand.

Singh alleged that Ramdev's campaign had gone beyond its stated focus on swadeshi and raised concerns over products in the market, including ghee and other food items. He also accused Ramdev of contributing to concerns surrounding adulterated or spurious food products. The allegations could not be independently verified.

Asked whether he was planning to launch a movement, Ramdev said the biggest movement should focus on transforming the country's education system. He advocated “One Nation, One Education” along with “One Nation, One Election”, saying the two reforms could bring significant changes to the country.

“Around 25-30 per cent of teachers are consumed in election-related duties and then questions are raised over the quality of education,” he said, advocating a uniform education system across the country with the inclusion of the Indian knowledge system.

Reacting to protests at Jantar Mantar, Ramdev said political power could not be achieved through disruption or anarchy and stressed that the country must function according to constitutional and democratic principles.

“If you want to become the Prime Minister, come through the votes of the people. Creating disorder or disturbing peace will not achieve anything,” he said.

Ramdev also questioned the participation of very young children in protests, saying children aged five, seven or 10 should not be asked to surround officials such as district magistrates or superintendents of police. “Political movements should involve adults and remain within the framework of democratic and constitutional values,” he added.

On Vande Mataram, Ramdev said those questioning the national song lacked an understanding of Indian culture and its traditions.