Don’t link yoga to caste, creed, religion: Rajnath

Lucknow: Amidst objections by certain minority groups to doing Yoga, Union Home MinisterRajnath Singh on Tuesday said there is "no compulsion" in this regard and that the practise of Yogashould not be related to any caste, creed or religion.

"On International Yoga Day on June 21, there is no compulsion for doing Yoga. Those who want can do it and those who do not want may not... But we appeal that maximum people should participate on Yoga Day. A booklet has been released on what to do on that day," Singh told reporters here.

Asked about All India Muslim Personal Law Board's decision to launch a campaign against any move to make 'Surya Namaskar' and Yoga compulsory in schools, he said, "I don't want to comment on the Board's stand... I only want to say that Yoga should not be related to any caste, creed and religion. It's good for mental and physical health."

He underlined that it was due to a proposal mooted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the presence of representatives of various countries that June 21 has been declared by United Nations as International Yoga Day.

An AIMPLB executive meeting here on Monday had resolved to approach the apex court against any move to have compulsory Surya Namaskar and Yoga in schools.

Meanwhile, the Centre has decided to drop 'Surya Namaskar' from 'asanas' to be performed by people across the country to commemorate 'International Day of Yoga'.

The trimming of the drill is aimed at catering to the sensibilities of the minorities in the wake of opposition from Muslim groups.

India will lead 191 nations to mark the dayDay', highlighted by a mega event on Rajpath in New Delhi.

Modi will not perform yoga on Rajpath: Sushma

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not perform yoga at the mega event on Rajpath to mark the 'International Yoga Day' on June 21, Sushma said.

Meanwhile, with certain minority groups protesting against inclusion of 'Surya namaskar' exercise during International Yoga Day celebrations, the Gorakhpur MP said, "Sun is the source of life giving energy. Whoever thinks Sun is communal, I would like to humbly request them to drown themselves in the sea or they should stay in a dark cell."

"Sun God has never deprived anyone of its light based on caste, creed or religion. Despite that if they are calling sun communal, I feel amused at their mindset," said the BJP leader yesterday at a religious event in Varanasi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Lok Sabha constituency.

"And my request to them would be that they should not take the sunlight or even its warmth," said the saffron-clad leader, who is known for courting controversy with his inflammatory remarks.

Congress and Samajwadi Party hit out the BJP leader, saying he was trying to create a communal divide, and stressed that nobody can force their own belief system on any citizen.

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah mocked Adityanath's remarks saying many people "will have to pack" their bags. Congress leader Rita Bahuguna said, "Every time he (Adityanath) speaks, he spits venom. He tries to create a communal divide by giving communal statements. What is the reason to say that those who don't want to do this should leave the country?