In pics: From Sadhvi to Jilani, read controversial quotes on International Yoga Day

International Yoga Day was celebrated with much fervor across the globe including India on Sunday. But the sad part is some leaders from across the political spectrum raked up controversies in connection with Yoga day recently.

On Monday, Congress accused Modi-led government of playing "divisive" politics after BJP general secretary Ram Madhav questioned Vice President Hamid Ansari's absence at the Yoga Day celebrations.

The controversy got further murkier when Minister of State for AYUSH Shripad Naik whose Ministry organised the International Day of Yoga event at Rajpath on Sunday defended government's move.

Naik said when Prime Minister is the chief guest at a programme, the President or Vice President cannot be invited as per protocol as the two are above the PM in order of precedence.

Here is the names and statements of all these leaders who courted controversies in connection with much applauded Yoga day recently.

Sadhvi Prachi

Firebrand BJP MP said that we can't stop pronouncing OM just because Muslims Ulemas feel bad about it.

Pronouncing Yoga and OM are parts of our rich and vast Hindu traditions and culture.

Snubbing Muslims for opposing Yoga day, Prachi further said, "Rising Muslims population is jeopardizing country's growth. All those(Muslims) who has reservations for OM, Yoga they can go anywhere except 177 countries which are observing the event happily".

Zafaryab Jilani, All India Muslim Personal Law Board

Zafaryab Jilani said, "Yoga is an ancient practice in our country. It is our heritage and tradition. Even yoga guru BKS Lyengar didn't try to prove that it was his personal brand. But the problem starts when some people try to put their own stamp on it for their political benefit".

He further said, "It is against the Shariah to recite mantras during yoga. We are also against making yoga compulsory in schools".

Sakshi Maharaj, BJP MP

Known for controversial statements, saffron-clad BJP MP Sakshi Maharaj recently claimed himself to be a true Muslim and dubbed Prophet Mohammed as a "great yogi" and the biggest practitioner of yoga.

"The biggest name in Islam is that of Mohammed and I consider Mohammed saab as a great yogi. A Muslim is one who has 'iman' and that is why called a Mussalman. I am a true Muslim," MP had said.

H Ajaneya, Karnataka Social Welfare Minister

Bringing embarrassment to Congress, Karnataka Minister recently said that yoga is for the rich and the lazy.

"Yoga is only for those who do not have any daily activity. People who work in farms, those who sweat it out, cannot think of doing yoga, can they? They do not have time to exercise or even walk in the open".

kiran Bedi, BJP leader

BJP leader Kiran Bedi on Sunday said that doing mass yoga could bring rains.

"Miracle of collective chant of Shanti,Shanti,Shanti, by millions brings pre-monsoon showers in Delhi.Reduces heat and cools even the trees", she tweeted.