Keep yoga away from politics, controversies: Sumitra Mahajan

Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan on Wednesday said yoga should be kept away from politics and unnecessary controversies as it is an ancient Indian exercise regime involving body and mind.

"Yoga is an ancient exercise regime to keep body and mind healthy. It should not be mixed with politics or dragged into controversies," she said. Mahajan, the MP from Indore, was speaking to reporters at a function organised by the local civic body.

The first International Yoga Day will be celebrated on June 21 and governments at the Centre and states are making preparations to make it a grand success.

The United Nations, too, has recognised the importance and relevance of yoga and fixed June 21 for its annual international commemoration. The world body's decision has enhanced India's prestige in the comity of nations, Mahajan maintained.

Asked about the Sushma Swaraj-Lalit Modi controversy, Mahajan said the Foreign Minister and some other Union Ministers have already given statements on the row and she would not like to comment on the issue.

The veteran Parliamentarian, however, added that she knows Swaraj at personal level for several years.