Thiruvananthapuram: Former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and BJP state president Kummanam Rajasekharan have expressed displeasure at health minister K. K. Shailaja's intolerance towards reciting slokas at the state-level International Yoga Day celebrations. Mr Rajasekharan said the act was 'condemnable', and she should approach yoga 'imbibing the reality'.
When the whole world commemorated it as international yoga day, he said, a minister of Ms Shylaja’s stature making such a statement was highly condemnable and a reason to worry. “She showed intolerance when the sloka was recited and even had the audacity to censure the officials too. Despite being a teacher, the health minister, it seems, didn’t understand the meaning of the prayer,” he said.
He also demanded the CPM to explain their stand on Sanskrit prayers. Mr Chandy expressed shock at the way in which Ms Shailja showed her intolerance against the shloka. He said it was rather unfortunate the minister raking up a controversy when it is, in fact, a part of Indian culture.
“God fearing people and atheists have already agreed that before a programme starts, it's best to start with prayers as that is the most pleasant way. There is nothing to be intolerant of here, and it is unfortunate that she resorted to doing it,” Mr Chandy said.
Muslim League leader P. K. Kunhalikutty also criticised Ms Shailaja’s move and termed it as a foolish stand of CPM. He also demanded that CPM should make its position clear on Sanskrit prayers when the world sees it as a solemn occasion. The minister had later clarified that she had not sought any explanation from the health officials.
