BSP supremo Mayawati attacks BJP over Yoga Day

LUCKNOW: Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati today welcomed celebration of Yoga Day on June 21 but condemned the way BJP and its "offshoots" are playing "communal card" through it.

"Our party is not against programmes to be held on the International Yoga Day on June 21 and welcomes it. But we condemn the way BJP and its offshoots are trying to play dirty game of using communal card on the occasion," she told reporters here.

She also accused the Narenda Modi government of starting "new controversial traditions" but did not elaborate.

"Instead of following democratic traditions, the government has started new controversial traditions that shows its distorted mentality," said the former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister.

The United Nations had in December last year declared June 21 as the International Yoga Day after a proposal in this regard was mooted by Modi in September.

The Modi government has chalked out elaborate plans for the day to make it a success.