BJP, AIADMK spar over holding yoga event in Kovai

While the BJP functionaries sought to participate in a yoga program at the Corporation-owned ‘Amma Yoga Maiyam’, the AIADMK cadres locked up the centre and refused to allow them inside.

The ruling party men contended that the centre is meant only for public use and political parties must not be entertained.

It started when the Corporation facility, located at Ganesapuram in Kurichi, was not opened for BJP cadre to participate in yoga sessions in the morning. Eventually, a group of BJP functionaries led by the party’s urban district president CR Nandakumar reached there and squatted in front of the centre demanding that the centre must be opened.

Meanwhile, AIADMK men led by former Councillor Venu Gopal gathered at the spot opposing against allowing BJP men inside the centre. As a counter protest, the AIADMK workers too sat near the centre, triggering tension. As a result, a large number of police personnel were deployed at the spot.

Even after talks with the police, men from both the parties refused to leave and continued with their protest until 4 pm.

“Though daily yoga sessions used to be conducted in the centre, the AIADMK cadre were against BJP workers participating in the session. We sat on protest till evening, when the issue was resolved and the centre was opened.

The BJP workers, however, left without practising yoga as we only wanted to ensure that people are allowed to do yoga,” said a BJP functionary.