International Yoga Day 2017: While India performs asanas, Samajawadi Party undertakes 'cycle yatras'

Lucknow: The Samajwadi Party on Wednesday celebrated the International Day of Yoga day by undertaking ‘cycle yatras’ across the state. [caption id=“attachment_3730701” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Representational image. AFP[/caption] Directives were issued to partymen by Samajwadi Party National President Akhilesh Yadav to take out cycle yatra at all district headquarter from 6 am and later perform yoga as per their convenience at their homes. The party’s move has been seen as a counter to BJP’s yoga day programme in Lucknow in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated along with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. “On directions of Samajwadi Party National President Akhilesh Yadav cycle yatras were taken out in the district headquarters by respective presidents and party office bearers on International Day of Yoga to give a message of environment conservation and health awareness”, Samajwadi Party spokesman Rajendra Chowdhury said. Cycle is the election symbol of the Samajwadi Party. Though Akhilesh has been extended an invitation by the Yogi government for the event in the city, he did not turn up at the venue. When the Samajwadi Party was in power, it had shunned official celebrations on this day.