Haridwar: Yoga guru Baba Ramdev on Sunday said that insulting members of the Brahmin community should also be considered against the constitutional principles of equality and dignity, drawing a parallel with protections against the insult of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities.
Speaking to the media in Haridwar amid protests over reservation at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, Baba Ramdev said injustice could affect different sections of society, including students, patients, soldiers, farmers, SC/ST communities and Brahmins.
“If insulting an SC/ST person is against the Constitution, then insulting a Brahmin is also against the Constitution,” he said.
Baba Ramdev also urged restraint during protests, saying democratic institutions should not be held hostage by disruptions on the streets or in Parliament. He said people facing injustice should raise their voices through democratic means and suggested that minors should not be brought to the forefront of political or social movements.
Backing the proposal for One Nation, One Election, Baba Ramdev said simultaneous elections could help improve governance, education and the pace of development. He argued that frequent elections throughout the year consume significant attention and resources and can disrupt the functioning of institutions.
Baba Ramdev also spoke about the ongoing debate surrounding Vande Mataram, saying India should be viewed as “Bharat Mata” and that the national song should be understood in the context of India’s cultural and Sanskrit traditions.
He said those who interpret references to deities and temples in Vande Mataram as problematic should study Sanskrit and understand the cultural meaning of the composition.
