CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury on Saturday demanded the withdrawal of the Government’s backing of Yoga Day celebrations in Malaysia organised by Overseas Friends of BJP. In a letter to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Yechury said the Ministry or Missions should not support such private events organised by units of BJP. “What I find both surprising and objectionable is that the poster declares that this event is being supported by the High Commission of India, Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Ayush and the Indian Council of Cultural Relations. Supporting activities abroad that strengthen public opinion in those countries about India and spread goodwill is understandable. But so far as I have known, the Government of India or its Commissions abroad or any of its other arms and institutions do not support the declared activities of political parties abroad.