Haridwar, August 23: Yoga guru Swami Ramdev on Sunday sought to draw a line under his recent war of words with BJP MP Kangana Ranaut, saying he did not want to escalate the issue or make any further comments.

“I don’t want to escalate the matter. The country knows who Swami Ramdev is and what my contribution is. That is why I don’t want to comment on such people,” Ramdev said.

His remarks came amid a public exchange with Ranaut that began after the BJP MP made controversial comments about Gen Z and young protesters. Ranaut had referred to the generation as “Generation Gutter”, drawing criticism from several quarters.

Ramdev subsequently criticised her remarks and questioned her views on the younger generation. Ranaut hit back on social media, objecting to Ramdev’s comments about her personal life and character. She accused the yoga guru of crossing a line by making remarks about her youth and private life.

Separately, Ramdev spoke about Vande Mataram and described Bharat Mata as central to his faith and devotion.

“We regard Bharat Mata as Durga, as Lakshmi; she is our faith, our knowledge, our temple, and the one who protects and empowers us. She is supreme for us, and she is our ultimate object of devotion and aspiration,” he said.

Ramdev said those who object to references to goddesses, deities, monasteries or temples inVande Mataramappeared disconnected from Indian culture and urged them to develop a better understanding of Sanskrit and the song’s meaning.

He also stressed the need for continued reforms in the country, saying the government was working in areas including education, healthcare, the economy and agriculture.

“Reforms are needed in the education system, healthcare system, economy, agriculture and various aspects of democracy. The government is working in these areas, and more work will continue in the future,” Ramdev said.

He criticised those who, according to him, believe that nothing positive is happening in the country and alleged that some groups were involving young children in protests, including demonstrations outside police stations and the offices of senior district officials.