JD (U) corners PM Modi, says 'masters of event management' branding yoga

The Janata Dal (United) on Tuesday alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is indulging in unwarranted politics in the name of yoga and dubbed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders to be 'masters of event management'.

JD (U) leader Sanjay Singh, who was commenting on the International Yoga Day celebrations across the world, accused the ruling dispensation of wasting a lot of money from the public exchequer on the occasion.

"The world has been celebrating yoga from a long time, but the Bharatiya Janata Party leaders and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are branding it. They (BJP) are masters of event management. Crores of money is being spent on this," Singh told ANI.

"The people took the initiative of cleanliness after the launch of 'Swachhta Abhiyan', but it stopped after some time. Likewise, money is being wasted on this occasion," he said.

Escalating his attack on the Centre, the JD (U) leader said even his party members' practice yoga, but they don't show-off.

"The BJP has made it a den of politics... Our Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has strictly said that he would participate in the International Yoga Day celebrations if the Prime Minister implements complete ban on alcohol in the nation. Definitely, politics is being played in the name of yoga and it will not continue for long," he added.

Taking a jibe at Prime Minister Modi, the Bihar Chief Minister had earlier on Sunday said if the former is so serious about yoga then he should ban liquor at least in all the BJP-ruled states.

"Yoga's fist principle is to abstain from consumption of liquor, so if you (government) are so serious about yoga, then Prime Minister Modi should ban liquor at least in all the BJP ruled states," he said while addressing a rally in Bihar's Palamu.

The second International Day of Yoga is being celebrated across the globe today. The theme for this year is 'Connect the Youth'.

The main event in India was held at the Capitol Complex in Chandigarh which witnessed the participation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Punjab and Haryana Governor Kaptan Singh Solanki, Punjab Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal and his Haryana counterpart Manohar Lal Khattar besides others.

Addressing the International Yoga Day celebrations in Chandigarh this morning, Prime Minister Modi said yoga provides health assurance with zero spending.

He said yoga has become a people's mass movement, adding the people in all parts of the nation have been connected to yoga.

The Prime Minister also announced two awards for distinguished works in the field of yoga at national and international levels.

June 21 was declared as the International Day of Yoga by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2014.

Over 190 countries, including 40 Islamic nations, supported the move to have a special day for yoga.