Amid debate over accusation of removing important stanzas from the original ‘Vande Mataram’ at national forum, a fresh controversy erupted in the State’s political corridor over recitation of Shrimad Bhagvad Gita. The opposition Congress has alleged the decision is an attempt to radicalise and an approach towards saffronisation while the ruling BJP defends it as a practice to gain inner strength.

 

A recent directive from the Madhya Pradesh Police Training Wing asking recruits to have sessions of the Bhagavad Gita has stirred a political turmoil, with the opposition Congress blamed the decision a partial approach towards a particular religion and unconstitutional while the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) defends it finding nothing objectionable in this practice.

 

As per the directive issued in the name of Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), Training, Raja Babu Singh, all the eight police training schools in Madhya Pradesh to have recruits read one chapter of the Bhagvad Gita before their meditation sessions. In support of the direction, officials from the department admitted that the Gita would guide the trainees to lead a righteous life.

 

In past too, centers were asked to recite verses of Ramcharitmanas aiming to inculcate discipline, ethical and moral values among trainees. There are incidents when jail inmates were provided with the copies of religious scriptures. The Congress finds is it against the spirit of constitution that advocates The secularism concept for the country.

 

It allows all the people have the freedom to practice their religion, and the State would not discriminate among the citizens on the grounds of religion. Which also means that every person has the equal responsibility to respect other religions equally.

 

The BJP leaders hit back at the Congress, accusing it of politicising a cultural and philosophical exercise. It has been recognised by not only Indians but in other parts of the world too. People have faith in teachings of Bhagvad Gita since it shows a way how to live a life. Some of the BJP leaders says why Congress has problem with Hindu scriptures. It is learnt that the police will hold three days of meditation sessions from December 19 to 21 (Meditation Day).