CM: no religious motive behind ‘Surya aradhana’

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has asserted that the government has no intention to interfere with the beliefs and sentiments of any community or religion.

The government had asked people to take part in ‘Surya aradhana’ in view of the health benefits associated with it, Mr. Naidu told the representatives of ‘Majlis Ulamaa VAL AIMMA’, who met him at the Secretariat on Tuesday.

Muslim clerics and community elders had earlier objected to the government’s directive on the issue.

Mr. Naidu told them that the policy was to respect and treat all religions equally. The ‘Surya aradhana’ programme was conducted with a view to reaping the benefits of sunlight. The aim was to motivate people to improve and protect their health, and there was no other motive, he asserted.

Aid enhanced

Referring to the recent murder of the caretaker of a mosque in Rajamahendravaram, Mr. Naidu said the government would help the next of kin of the victim. Following a request, the Chief Minister directed the officials to increase the financial assistance to the family from ₹5 lakh announced earlier to ₹10 lakh. Mr. Naidu also responded positively to the request of installing CC cameras in the mosques across the State. The Chief Minister also said the government would not take any hasty decision with regard to the Madarsa Board.

MLC Ahmed Sharif Saheb, Muslim JAC convener Sheik Muneer Ahmed, and Muslim Journalists’ Forum convener Abdul Aleem were among others present.

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