Brijbhushan Singh Challenges Ramdev’s Activism, Labels Him ‘Emperor of Counterfeit Food’

Brijbhushan Sharan Singh, a veteran BJP leader, aired his doubts about Baba Ramdev’s announced mass movement during a press briefing in Ballia on August 22. Singh highlighted the paradox of a man whose enterprises are repeatedly examined by the Supreme Court and high courts stepping into the role of a protest leader.

Singh referenced Ramdev’s earlier Swadeshi initiative, noting that the campaign’s success lay in its clear, nationwide outreach. He stressed that any new campaign should be “robust and devoid of theatrics,” specifically urging Ramdev to forgo wearing a salwar and any women’s disguise that had been part of the Anna Hazare protests.

“The only thing Ramdev wears is the garb of a baba, and that is fine. However, if he decides to rally people, he must stay the course and ensure the movement has substance,” Singh said. He went on to earmark Ramdev as a “massive industrialist masquerading as a spiritual figure.”

Singh did not shy away from harsh language, calling the guru the “emperor of fake food.” He cited recurring failures in food‑sample tests and ongoing judicial commentary, alleging that the proliferation of these products has already resulted in 5‑10 cancer patients per village. Singh emphasized that the government cannot shoulder all blame; systemic issues across the food sector must also be addressed.