Sushma Swaraj calls Yogi Adityanath's comments on Surya Namaskar as “unfortunate”

New Delhi, June 10: A day after BJP MLA and firebrand Hindutva leader Yogi Adityanath trigerred a controversy over Surya Namaskar, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday, June 10 snubbed his provocative remarks.

According to reports, Swaraj said that, to participate in the International Yoga Day on June 21 is not mandatory. [People who oppose Surya Namaskar should drown: Yogi Adityanath]

While talking to media-persons, Swaraj was quoted saying as, "I differ with his comments. His comments were unfortunate."

"This is a voluntary programme and nobody should be forced into it", she added. [Don't link Yoga with religion: M M Joshi]

Over the apprehensions of the minorities on Yoga Day, Swaraj said, "They are probably saying this because they don't have the information. 47 members-states of Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC) have not only supported the India-led resolution at the UN but are also co-sponsoring the events."

On being asked that Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev said that namaz is similar to yuoga, she said, "I think Baba Ramdev intended to say that yoga is not a religious act." [Namaz has similar moves as surya namaskar: Rajasthan BJP MP]

Swaraj would be at the UN in New York for an event there to mark the International Yoga Day.

The day will be observed in over 251 cities in 191 countries across the world and the Indian missions and diplomatic posts have made arrangements for the celebrations and other related events, she said, adding a grand event will be held on Rajpath in which over 35,000 people are expected to take part. [Namaz is also a form of Surya Namaskar: Madhya Pradesh Minister]

On Tuesday, June 9, he had said, "Those who oppose surya namaskar should drown. The sun has never discriminated against anyone. The intelligence of those opposed to surya namaskar is laughable."

He also went on to say that those who do not follow surya namaskar 'live in a dark room.'

OneIndia News