Brijbhushan Sharan Singh Issues Apology, Says Remarks on Baba Ramdev Were Unintentional

Former MP from Uttar Pradesh’s Kaiserganj, Brijbhushan Sharan Singh, has issued an apology after facing criticism for his objectionable comments against yoga guru Baba Ramdev.

The controversy erupted following remarks Singh made during a tribute meeting for former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on August 17.

Acknowledging his mistake, Singh admitted that his choice of words was inappropriate. He clarified that the words slipped out unintentionally and expressed regret over the incident.

“I agree that my statement was wrong. Some words came out of my which I should not have spoken. I realised later that I should not have said this,” Singh said.

The Trigger for the Controversy

The uproar began when Singh, while addressing the gathering in Vajpayee’s memory, made comments directed at Baba Ramdev. His statements quickly drew outrage from Ramdev’s followers, compelling him to offer a public clarification.

Singh explained that his intention was not to insult the yoga guru but to remind him of the promises he had once made regarding the development of Maharishi Patanjali’s birthplace in Gonda.

According to Singh, his remarks were linked to Ramdev’s earlier commitments that had remained unfulfilled.

Clash with Acharya Balkrishna

Singh elaborated that tensions between him and Ramdev’s aide, Acharya Balkrishna, had previously fueled disputes.

“During the Lok Sabha elections, I gave a statement after which Acharya Balkrishna Bhatt called me a fool. I retaliated, and from there the matter escalated,” he recalled.

He further stated that while recounting the history of Gonda, Balrampur, and the Devipatan division, he remembered Ramdev’s promise regarding Maharishi Patanjali’s birthplace. “When that memory came up, some words slipped out,” Singh admitted.

Emphasis on Apology and Principles

The former MP stressed that he had always followed the principle of not insulting anyone. He noted that admitting mistakes and apologising should not be seen as a matter of shame.

Singh maintained that his sole purpose was to highlight the unfulfilled promise concerning Maharishi Patanjali’s birthplace.

“It has been my principle since childhood not to insult anyone, and apologising when wrong is not a matter of shame,” he said, underscoring his regret for the remarks.

Past Criticism of Baba Ramdev

This was not the first time Singh had taken issue with Ramdev. In 2022, he had accused the yoga guru of misusing Maharishi Patanjali’s name for commercial purposes.

Singh alleged that Ramdev was earning billions by selling products such as spices and juices under the Patanjali brand, while neglecting the development of Patanjali’s birthplace in Gonda.

At that time, Acharya Balkrishna had responded by sending Singh a legal notice. Singh replied, and the matter was believed to be resolved. However, the dispute resurfaced with his recent comments.

Singh admitted that his words calling Baba Ramdev “Kana” (one-eyed) were inappropriate. “My earlier remark was wrong and words had slipped out. Later, I realized that such things should not have been said,” he stated.

The Neglect of Maharishi Patanjali’s Birthplace

The former MP expressed his disappointment that despite massive business being done in Patanjali’s name, the birthplace of Maharishi Patanjali in Gonda remained neglected.

He emphasized that exploiting the name of great personalities without honoring their legacy was not right.

Kondar village in Gonda district, near an ancient lake in the Wazirganj area, is regarded as Maharishi Patanjali’s birthplace. Known worldwide for his contributions to yoga and Ayurveda, Patanjali is revered as an incarnation of Sheshnag. Singh argued that more must be done to preserve and develop the site.

Allegations of Selling Fake Products

Apart from the issue of neglect, Singh has also made strong allegations against Ramdev’s business practices.

He accused him of selling “fake ghee” under the Patanjali brand and misleading people through incorrect teachings of “Kapal Bhati,” which he claimed had adverse effects on followers.

He advised people to maintain cows or buffaloes at home rather than relying on ghee from the market. “The child of the weak is born weak. A child of a healthy person is born healthy. To stay healthy, it is very important to have cleanliness and pure milk and ghee in the homes,” Singh said.

Singh’s Call to Action

Singh declared that he would soon convene a meeting of seers and saints to address the alleged exploitation of Maharishi Patanjali’s name.

“I will ensure that saints give their blessings to my movement against fake milk products that are being produced and sold by Ramdev’s supporters,” he added.

He revealed that Ramdev had previously sent him a legal notice regarding his remarks on fake ghee and demanded an apology. However, Singh took a firm stand at that time, stating, “I will never apologise and I stand by what I have said.”

Brijbhushan Sharan Singh’s apology reflects his recognition of the backlash caused by his remarks against Baba Ramdev.

While he has admitted his mistake, his concerns regarding the neglect of Maharishi Patanjali’s birthplace and his criticism of Patanjali products remain consistent.

The controversy has once again highlighted the friction between the former MP and the yoga guru over promises, business practices, and legacy issues.