New Delhi, Dec 21: BJP today demanded that the Russian Government take “suitable measures” to get the case in a court there seeking ban on the Bhagwad Gita dismissed immediately, while contending that the holy book propagates only self-discipline.
Party's foreign affairs cell Convener Vijay Jolly led a delegation of BJP leaders and met Deputy Chief of the Russian Mission here Denis E Alipov and conveyed their pain and anguish at the case on Bhagwad Gita.
“We expressed surprise that how can the Russian Government let the case linger on for over six months in a court. India-Russia relations is of paramount importance to both countries. We told the Russian diplomats that we are really pained and anguished,” Jolly told PTI after the meeting.
While expressing satisfaction at the statement of Russian Ambassador Alexander M Kadakin that it is “inadmissible” that a holy scripture is taken to court, the delegation demanded that “some action has to be shown at the ground level”.
“We asked the Russian Government to take suitable steps so that the case is withdrawn,” he said.
The delegation members, Jolly said, also presented a copy of the Gita to the diplomats and asked them to send it to Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.
“We wish to state that Gita preaches self discipline. It is a book with sublime thoughts and practical directions on yoga, action and devotion. It does not promote extremism. It promotes spiritualism and teaches to the mankind the need to fulfil responsibility towards worldly duties,” they said in the letter to Medvedev.
The significant passages of Gita are Lord Krishna's instructions to Arjun on the “nature of correct actions” and the “role of god in protecting his devotees.”
