If you force people to practice Yoga, then teach them namaz as well: AIMPLB to NDA govt

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board member Maulana Sajjad Nomani on Monday accused the BJP-led NDA government of "thrusting" the "Hindutva" on citizens.

"Compulsion of doing Yoga and Suryanamskar, making singing of Vande Mataram compulsory etc. are directed towards thrusting Hindu culture on the country," Nomani told reporters at a press conference in Mumbra.

He said a two-day meet on "Save faith save Constitution" will be held in Mumbai on February 24 and 25 as a part of the AIMPLB's nationwide mass awareness programme.

Nomani also demanded that 'namaz' should be taught to students of schools and government employees if the BJP government is bent on making "Hindu practices" like yoga and suryanamaskar compulsory for them.

"Yoga is part of Hindu religion. We are not against doing Yogasanas (postures). But if you make school students and government employees to practice yoga, then teach them 'namaz' as well," he said in response to a query.

Nomani alleged that the Central government was doing everything against Constitution.

"The BJP-led government is playing with Constitution and is disturbing the secular democratic fabric of country. There is a well-planned conspiracy to disturb different castes and religions by thrusting Hindutva on citizens," he claimed.

He said like-minded groups including Muslims, BAMCEF (The All India Backward (SC, ST, OBC) And Minority Communities Employees Federation), and people from Lingayat community have come together and drafted a Common Minimum Programme that will be undertaken as part of the awareness campaign.

Nomani clarified that AIMPLB was not opposed to practicing yoga but are against making it compulsory.

"Minorities of this secular, democratic country want to say that any kind of mischief with the Constitution to tarnish the democratic fabric will not tolerated," he added.

Senior BAMCEF leader Waman Meshram alleged that "it is a conspiracy by government and ministers to thrust Brahminism in country".