Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot opts for music over yoga

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot (File Photo/IANS)

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot (File Photo/IANS)

Jaipur: Ignoring the International Yoga Day, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot extended his wishes on World Music Day on Friday morning at a time when the world was celebrating yoga day.

The Chief Minister tweeted, “Music is connected to the soul, in times of despair, it gives us hope and during joy, it makes us feel upbeat. In this world of different dialects and cultures, music acts as a means to connect. On this #WorldmusicDay, I extend my greetings to all #music lovers and #musicians.”

However, soon after he was trolled and reminded that it was yoga day too.

Many Twitter users condemned his action and accused him of being biased for not extending his wishes on International Yoga Day.

Two hours after his first tweet, the chief minister extended his wishes on International Yoga Day via his second tweet.

In his tweet, he said, “Let us celebrate #InternationalYogaDay by dedicating ourselves to the practice of ancient science of #Yoga, which unites body, mind and soul. #Yogaday2019

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA and former education minister Vasudev Devnani accused the state government of politicizing yoga day.

In his tweet, he said, “Congress government in the state has politicized the Yoga Day. School vacations were extended deliberately in government schools for keeping the children deprived of Yoga. Congress government is continuously insulting the religion, culture, great personalities and freedom fighters,” he said.

Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot is not in India at present.

However, state minister Raghu Sharma marked his presence at one of the yoga programmes organized in Ajmer.

Meanwhile, the state BJP celebrated International Yoga Day with much fanfare in all district headquarters, said media in-charge Vimal Katiyar.

Veteran leaders including former chief minister Vasundhara Raje, state organisation general secretary Chandrashekhar, state vice-president Sunil Kothari, MLA Kalicharan Saraf, MLA Ashok Lahoti among many others participated in the event.

IANS