With the Centre's move to celebrate International Yoga Day caught up in a row, Left parties today accused those supporting or opposing the event, of "linking" the ancient practice with religion and using the programme as a platform to "further a sectarian agenda.
They also said that the practice should not be "imposed" on people, and both sides should avoid its communalisation.
"Those supporting yoga are linking it to religion. The other side is also linking it with religion. It should not be communalised by both sides. It should be voluntary and optional (for people)," CPI MP D Raja claimed.
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CPI (M) Politburo member Brinda Karat seconded Raja emphasising the practice of yoga "has to be out of choice".
Referring to BJP leader Yogi Adityanath's remarks that those opposing 'surya namaskar' should "drown in the sea", she alleged that it is very clear the event is being used as a platform to "further a sectarian agenda."
"The statements by men in public office belonging to BJP make it very clear this (the event) is being used as platform to further a sectarian agenda.
"So, this is not the way to go about it. And yoga, certainly physically (is) extremely beneficial...But it is something which has to come through choice and not in the way it is being imposed. We are totally against any type of imposition," Karat said.
Yogi Adityanath had kicked up a row saying those opposing 'Surya namaskar' should "drown in the sea" which was decried by Swaraj as "unfortunate".
Adityanath's remarks came after the All-India Muslim Personal Law Board said that it will move the Supreme Court against inclusion of 'surya namaskar' and yoga in schools.
Meanwhile, Raja stressed that Centre should introduce a comprehensive sports policy to encourage games other than cricket to engage youth even as government emphasises on practicing yoga.
"All the time, you are encouraging cricket. We are not opposed to cricket. But why not other games? What is the encouragement given to hockey, kabaddi, football, village sports? Youth can be attracted through many sports and games," he said.
