Azam Khan asks Yogi Adityanath to offer namaz for better mental health

Reacting on the recent comments by BJP MP Yogi Adityanath on yoga, Uttar Pradesh minister Azam Khan on Thursday said the saffron leader should "offer namaz to set his mind on the right track".

"Although my advice to Yogi about namaz might not be correct but since he wants to use force to adopt any exercise, I am forced to express my opinion. "He should rather offer namaz (prayers) that would not only give him physical strength but also put his mind on the right track," Khan told media on Wednesday.

The SP leader was referring to the firebrand leader's comments that those opposing 'Surya namaskar' should "drown in the sea". Khan maintained that Surya Namaskar was a religious exercise that should not be forced upon others.

"As far as religious practices and traditions related to a particular community are concerned one should not be compelled to adopt those," Khan said. Accusing the Prime Minister Narendra Modi to harbour hatred against minority, the state urban development minister said, "When the BJP maintains enmity against Muslims and asks them to leave India, I urge the Prime Minister, Home Minister and other responsible persons of the government to allot a land where Muslims may be rehabilitated side by side."