Patna, June 21 (IANS) Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar stayed away from events organised to mark the annual International Yoga Day here on Friday.

However, his Deputy Sushil Kumar Modi and other Cabinet Ministers, from both the BJP and its National Democratic Alliance (NDA) ally JD-U, attended the main function at Patliputra Sports Complex.

The state's ruling NDA leaders joined common people in peforming Yoga at other events held across the state.

"Nitish Kumar is not attending the Yoga Day celebrations," said an official from the Chief Minister's Office.

According to Janata Dal-United (JD-U) leaders, their party President practices yoga every morning and strongly favours its promotion, but opposes its use for political propaganda.

--IANS ik/rtp