Uproar in Rajya Sabha over Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's cultural event

New Delhi, Mar 9: Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's cultural event 'World Culture Festival' is facing stiff opposition. On Wednesday, the matter was raised in Rajya Sabha with the Opposition criticising the government and questioning the the use of Army personnel for the preparations.

Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said: "I am not against any cultural festival. But the question arises, what about environment, biodiversity and ecology of this country."

CPI-M leader Sitaram Yechury said it was "highly irregular" that the services of Indian Army personnel were enlisted for a "private event". Yechury also questioned the event and asked, "How can Indian Army assist in this?"

Members of the Opposition even raised slogans: " Army ka galat istemaal mat karo, Raksha karo."

Meanwhile, Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said: "All functions have been given all clearances. As far as Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is concerned, he has launched a campaign to clean the environment in the country. He has started a programme to clean the Yamuna. We should not question his intention."

"We are discussing this issue when the National Green Tribunal is hearing the case," Naqvi said.

OneIndia News