Unfortunate that Centre is trying to gain 'political popularity' from Yoga Day: Cong

New Delhi: Ahead of the International Yoga Day celebrations, former external affairs minister and senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid said that the Centre using the event for gaining a political popularity was 'unfortunate'.

Speaking to ANI, he asserted that it was a good step that the UN had approved India's proposal of observing World Yoga Day, but accused the government of adopting a 'very close minded' approach in this matter.

"We are all very happy that Yoga is being accepted widely by the world and Yoga Day has been approved by the UN. Even the scientific investigations show that Yoga is good for the body, mind and soul. I have one little worry, the government that is pushing and the people who are pushing it have a very closed mind about the purpose of doing anything of this nature. If they are trying to gain ant political popularity out of it, then it would be very unfortunate," Khurshid said.

"This is something that belongs to Indian ethos and belongs to Indian culture's history. For anyone to make it their own is very unfortunate," he added.

Preparations are on in full swing across the country and abroad to celebrate the International Day, as people were seen holding rehearsals on a large scale besides other cultural events.

The main event will take place in Chandigarh where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate. The Common Yoga Protocol will begin at 7 am and last for 45 minutes.

In the run up to the celebrations of International Day of Yoga, rehearsal of Yogasanas was held at Rajpath and other places in the national capital on Monday. Meanwhile, the United Nations headquarters in New York has been lit up ahead of International Yoga Day that will be celebrated on June 21.

The United Nations General Assembly declared June 21 as the International Day of Yoga on December 11 in 2014 after a call from the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi during his address to UN General Assembly on September 27.