BJP govt thrusting Hindutva on country: Muslim personal law board

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board member Maulana Sajjad Nomani today 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 Mumbra 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.