Bharatiya Janata party(BJP) MLA Sangeet Som has courted a controversy by saying that Taj Mahal is a blot on the Indian culture.
The BJP leader said Taj Mahal is a blot on the Indian culture.
Bharatiya Janata party(BJP) MLA Sangeet Som has courted a controversy by saying that Taj Mahal is a blot on the Indian culture.
The BJP leader made the remark during an event at the Sisoli village in Meerut district on Sunday.
While addressing a gathering, Som said, "Many people were disappointed that the Taj Mahal was removed from the Uttar Pradesh tourism booklet. What history are we talking about? The creator of Taj Mahal (Shahjehan) imprisoned his father. He wanted to wipe out Hindus. If these people are part of our history, then it is very sad and we will change this history."
Responding to the controversy, the Uttar Pradesh government said Taj Mahal is a part of "our proud heritage". "It might be his individual opinion, CM Yogi Adityanath and I call it part of our cultural heritage. It is heritage and it is a major tourist spot. We are committed to the upliftment of Agra and Taj. From a tourist's point of view, we are proud of the Taj Mahal," said state tourism minister Rita Bahuguna Joshi.
The opposition condemned Som’s charges. “BJP is preaching hatred. History can’t be changed. We must learn from history, both good and bad. These comments are by people who are stuck in history and have a narrow mindset,” said Samajwadi Party spokesperson, CP Rai.
Unhappy with Som’s comment, people quickly took to Twitter and slammed the BJP leader.
Here are some of the reactions:
Som's comments came days after reports in a section of the media that a booklet brought out by the tourism department of the Uttar Pradesh government left out the Taj Mahal from its list of major tourist destinations.
Following the reports, the state government had issued a press release stating, "Tourism projects worth Rs 370 crore are proposed, under which schemes worth Rs 156 crore are meant for the Taj Mahal and its surrounding areas in Agra."
(With agency inputs)