M. Karunanidhi opposes Bhagavad Gita as national scripture

Chennai:  DMK president M. Karunanidhi Monday condemned External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj for her proposal to make the Bhagavad Gita a national scripture, saying India is a secular country.

Karunanidhi, in a statement issued here, noted that the constitution declares India a secular republic and the central government should treat all religions equally and follow secular principles.

He wondered whether the BJP-led central government, which is implementing various people welfare measures, is spoiling its name by indulging in such unwanted actions.

Karunanidhi also urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take the government forward carefully without any hindrance to the developmental activities by such controversial views.

Applauding Prime Minister Modi's gesture of presenting the Bhagavad Gita to world leaders recently, Sushma Swaraj Sunday said it elevated the holy book to the status of a national scripture.

She proposed the need for a formal announcement that would officially establish the Gita's status as a national scripture.