Mumbai--Maharashtra Minority Affairs Minister Eknath Khadse waded into the Yoga controversy and claimed that Namaaz is a form of Yoga.
“Namaaz is a form of yoga,” Minority Affairs minster Eknath Khadse said on Tuesday adding that people may choose to stand stand or bow while practising their faith but they need to practise Yoga to stay healthy.
The Maharashtra government’s decision to have Yoga demonstrations on the International Yoga Day has been met with opposition from Muslim groups. The groups want the practise of Yoga to be made optional as many believe that Asanas like Suryanamaskar go against the tenets of their religion.
“Those who believe that their faith will be affected should take the name of Allah while doing the posture,” Khadse said.
Khadse also lashed out at the MIM which has been the most vocal about its opposition to Yoga. “It is unfortunate that certain parties are taking political mileage by converting this into a religious issue. It is very unfortunate,” Khadse added.
He further added that it was unfair to see claim that the BJP led administration was working towards the Saffronisation of the state. He claimed that his government worked for all members of society and he had personally intervened with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj over the Haj Committees decision of seeking compulsory advance fee for ‘qurbani’ or sacrifice at Mecca. The move of the Committee has been met with criticism from within the community.
INDIAN EXPRESS
