Union Minister of State Rao Inderjit Singh failed to attend the International Yoga Day district-level function in Rewari on Sunday, prompting Deputy Commissioner Abhishek Meena to step in as chief guest at the Rao Tularam Stadium. The absence raised eyebrows in local political circles, as Singh was initially slated to be the chief guest for the Gurugram event before being reassigned to Rewari.
Minister's Absence Explained
When contacted by The Tribune, Singh's team stated that the minister was unwell and could not make it to the event. However, the no-show came amid confusion over his chief guest assignment. He was initially scheduled for the Gurugram function but was later reallotted to Rewari. Ultimately, he did not attend either event; Gaurav Gautam was named chief guest for the Gurugram programme instead.
Political Implications
Singh's absence seemed to set the tone for the Rewari event, with senior BJP office-bearers and workers largely missing from the gathering. District president Vandana Popli was the only prominent party face seen at the venue throughout the proceedings. Attendance thinned further after Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini's virtual address concluded, with several participants leaving midway instead of staying for the rest of the programme. This visual did little to reflect the seriousness the party claims to attach to Yoga Day, which is considered one of its key annual outreach events.
Event Attendance and Arrangements
Despite the political undertone, the event drew a steady turnout of residents, with elderly citizens and children performing asanas together under pleasant weather. However, organisers grappled with what attendees described as poor on-ground arrangements. Volunteers were seen distributing T-shirts to participants even as the yoga session was underway.
Conclusion of the Programme
The programme concluded with the national anthem, after which the forest department distributed saplings to guests and participants. The event was held under the joint aegis of the Haryana Yog Aayog and the AYUSH Department, marking the 12th International Yoga Day.
