Don’t give political hue to Yoga Day: Sukhbir

Tribune News Service

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Amritsar, June 20

Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal today said the criticism of the International Yoga Day celebrations by the Congress is uncalled for. The event should not be given any political or religious overtones, he said.

Talking to the media after paying obeisance at the Golden Temple, Sukhbir said: “Yoga is a scientifically proven method of physical fitness. It is a health and fitness related issue and should not be given any unnecessary religious or political annotations.”

He also refuted the Congress’ allegations that a pick-and-choose policy was adopted in inviting political entities to the 350th foundation day celebrations of Anandpur Sahib and claimed that the Chief Minister had personally invited the entire Punjab leadership.

On Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh’s latest statement regarding drug abuse in Punjab, he said the minister had given a message to the youth to stay away from drugs, adding that the state government was committed to root out the evil.

He said most of the drugs in Punjab were coming from Pakistan and efforts were being made to curb cross-border smuggling.

On SAD leader Mukhjit Singh’s encounter, he said the policemen involved in it had already been shifted out while further action would be initiated once the SIT submitted its probe report.

The Deputy CM, who often holds deliberations with the officials regarding multi-crore projects whenever he visits the city, today shifted the focus to the basic needs of the people.

Expressing dissatisfaction over the cleanliness of the holy city, he ordered immediate redressal of the issue.

Sukhbir told the MC Commissioner to get sucker machines for opening choked sewerage of the city before the onset of the monsoon. Taking serious note of dried tube wells, the Deputy CM directed the Municipal Corporation and Improvement Trust to assess the status of existing tube wells and initiate necessary steps to ensure regular water supply to the people.