BJP wants Bhagwad Gita to be declared national book

New Delhi, Dec 20: With the issue regarding the ban on the Hindu religious text Bhagwad Gita in Russia raising a ruckus in Parliament, the External Affairs Minister, S.M. Krishna called the move the work of ‘misdirected and motivated individuals'. Krishna commented that the issue has been taken up with the highest levels with the Russian government hoping from a resolution.

In the midst of the uproar, senior BJP leader Sushma Swaraj demanded that the Bhagwad Gita be declared the 'National Book'.

Speaking among the uproar in the Lok Sabha, Krishna stated, "The officials of India in Moscow and our ambassador on Moscow have been in regular touch with representatives of the Iskcon. We have also taken up the matter at highest levels with the Russian government. The embassy of India is closely monitoring the legal case."

Meanwhile, the Russian Embassy has issued a statement in this regard and has said that they would consult eminent indologists on the possible ban.

The Gita was banned in Russia with a case in a court in Tomsk, Siberia citing that the holy book was extremist literature. With protests and furore erupting from various quarters over the possible ban, Hindu groups in Russia are appealing to the Siberian court to seek the views of the nation's human rights commission on religious text and preachings, before pronouncing its verdict.

OneIndia News