Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Wednesday, 13 June, declined Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s #HumFitTohIndiaFit challenge, stating that he was more concerned about the development of his state than his physical fitness. In his tweet, he thanked Modi for his concern and sought his support for Karnataka’s development instead.
Kumaraswamy also added yoga and treadmill were a part of his daily workout regime.
Earlier in the day, the prime minister responded to the #FitnessChallenge by tweeting a video of himself performing yoga. The video shows him walking across obstacles, doing breathing exercises and performing some yoga asanas.
Union Minister for Sports Rajyavardhan Rathore responded to Kumaraswamy’s rejection, saying that the campaign is non-political and should not be politicised.
PM always talks about fitness of the youth so that they can take our country forward. There are a few Prime Ministers who would share such videos. There’s positivity in this campaign and it’s non-political.Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, Union Minister for Sports
Apart from Kumaraswamy, Modi also challenged Manik Batara, India’s highest medal winner in the 2018 Commonwealth Games, and the entire IPS fraternity.
PM Modi was nominated by Indian cricket team captain Virat Kohli, who was one of the first celebrities to join the challenge.
#HumFitTohIndiaFit started with a tweet and a video by Union Sports Minister Rajyavarshan Singh Rathore, and in no time created a rage on social media. Soon, netas, actors, sportspersons and even commoners accepted the challenge, posting videos and photos of then working out.
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)