BJP slams CM Naveen Patnaik for not observing Yoga Day

BHUBANESWAR:Even as people from all walks of  life irrespective of age participated yoga camps across the state in large number to celebrate the 4th International Yoga Day on Thursday, the State unit of the BJP targeted Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for not observing the day at official level.

June 21 is being observed as International Yoga Day every year after the United Nations accepted  India’s proposal in 2014. While the event is being celebrated all over  the world, the State Government does not keep it in the official calendar, rued State BJP spokesperson Golak Mohapatra.

BJP general secretary Prithiviraj Harichandan criticised the Chief Minister for viewing the Yoga Day from political angle. Noting that yoga is for well-being of the people and a great unifying factor, Harichandan said non-observance of Yoga Day by the State Government is deplorable.“It is unfortunate that the Government decided not to celebrate the International Day of Yoga due to political reasons. It has exposed the Chief Minister’s pettiness and immaturity,” he  remarked.

On the other hand, president of the Pradesh Congress  Committee Niranjan Patnaik said the Chief Minister seems confused. Sometimes he is very friendly with the Centre while at  others, he claims to maintain distance from the saffron party.Acknowledging the importance of yoga, Patnaik said the State Government should have   organised some official programme to mark the Yoga Day.

“At times, the BJD maintains equidistance from the Congress, but most of the times it is favourably disposed towards the Centre,” he said.On the other hand, the BJD termed the saffron party’s allegations baseless. The State Government has neither barred anyone from celebrating the International Day of Yoga nor given instruction to compulsorily celebrate the occasion, said BJD leader Arun Sahoo.