Muslim Personal Law Board politicising surya namaskar: UP BJP chief

After the All India Muslim Personal Law Board said Muslim students cannot practise Surya Namaskar as per faith, Uttar Pradesh BJP chief Swatantra Dev Singh on Tuesday accused the Board of politicizing the 'exercise'.

The AIMPLB had asked Muslim students to not participate in the exercise, claiming it to be a form of sun worship which is not allowed in Islam. It further asked the government to respect the secular values of the country and withdraw the University Grants Commission order dated December 29. The order requests all higher education institutions to have their students perform Surya Namaskar as part of the country's 75th year of independence celebrations.

Singh said Surya Namaskar is a part of yoga that is recognized by the whole world, including Muslim countries in the Middle East. The Board's attitude appears politically motivated, he slammed.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi has increased India's pride by getting yoga, which is related to health, recognized all over the world. Now that elections are near, the Personal Law Board is politicizing this issue," Singh said. The BJP leader further accused the Board of turning into a Congress bhonpu (meaning loudspeaker) ahead of the elections.