According to Maharaj, this characterisation drew ire from the party high command in Delhi.

"I was told from Delhi to retract that statement while expressing regret," he revealed.

When questioned by the Congress about why he called the Chief Minister a 'Sadhu', Maharaj offered a philosophical explanation: "A 'Sadhu' accepts truth with simplicity, ease, and willingness."

He elaborated that sainthood is not about attire, markings, or typical memorisation of scriptures. "The scriptures state that God is not dependent on any action, ritual, or rite. Therefore, anyone who accepts the truth with simplicity, ease, and willingness is a 'Sadhu'."

Maharaj directly accused his former party of malicious intent, stating, "The character of Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami was completely clean; his image was spotless, but the Congress party wanted to defame the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand."

Acharya Pramod Krishnam Maharaj has a long history with the Congress party, having served as a Member of Parliament and held several significant organisational posts over nearly four decades. However, his association ended last year when the Congress suspended him from the party for six years in the run-up to the 2024 general elections.