Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s presence at an event held on Kolkata’s historic Red Road to mark International Yoga Day drew enthusiasm — but also created political controversy. The special Yoga Day programme was held on Red Road on Sunday before thousands of people.
Alongside Modi, West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose and the state’s Leader of the Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, were present at the event. Special preparations were made on Red Road for several days, and a large stage was built.
However, the main controversy over the event has arisen around permission to use Red Road. Some critics allege that, while permission to use the same place for Muslims’ Eid prayers was earlier not granted, this time the road was kept closed for a long period for International Yoga Day. They question whether equality is being maintained in administrative policy when it comes to various religious and social events. Some in social and political circles have argued that the same kind of policy needs to be followed for all kinds of events when it comes to using important public spaces.
At the event, meanwhile, Prime Minister Modi presented yoga as a symbol of the all-round development of human life, mental peace and social unity. He said regular practice of yoga helps maintain physical fitness, reduces mental stress and builds connection among people. Programmes marking International Yoga Day were also held in various districts of West Bengal. But the controversy linked to the Red Road event in Kolkata became one of the main talking points of the day.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report