Controversial BJP MLA Sangeet Som ignited a firestorm of controversy by saying the Taj Mahal was built by a "traitor who wanted to wipe out Hindus", and that the Unesco World Heritage Site was a "blot on the Indian culture". The Uttar Pradesh government quickly distanced itself from the remarks, but stopped short of condemning them, while the Opposition got an opportunity to corner the BJP.
In a video, Som is heard telling a gathering at Sisaulin in Western UP's Meerut: "What history are you talking about? The creator of Taj Mahal (Shah Jahan) was a traitor who imprisoned his own father and wanted to wipe out Hindus from Hindustan," said Som, known for his hate speeches. In fact, Shah Jahan did not imprison his father. He was imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb.
The MLA from Meerut's Sardhana was referring to "people's disappointment" when the 17th century structure's mention was removed from the UP tourism department booklet, a move that had triggered shock and outrage. "Taj Mahal" was trending on Twitter on Monday.
"It is unfortunate that these people have found place in our history textbooks and have been glorified. History needs to be re-written. I guarantee you that the BJP will change the history and replace traitors like Babar, Akbar and Aurangzeb with Lord Ram, Shivaji, Maharana Pratap," said Som, who had been charged with stoking tensions during riots in UP's Muzzafarnagar which killed 62 people in 2013.
The UP government said the Taj Mahal was a part of "our proud heritage". "It might be his (Som's) individual opinion. CM Yogi Adityanath and I call it part of our cultural heritage. 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 UP Minister Rita Bahuguna Joshi.
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi attacked Som and the BJP. "The Red Fort was built by the same group of traitors. Will PM Narendra Modi stop hoisting the national flag from there? Can Modi and Yogi ask domestic, foreign tourists to not visit the Taj?"
BJP leader GVL Narasimha Rao called the controversial remarks Som's opinion he was entitled to. Turn to P4
"There have been attempts to distort Indian history. It is a symbol of barbarism and it is a monument. I will say what I have to say. As far as Som is concerned, he has the freedom of speech. That is his personal view and there needs not be a party line on every statement," said Rao.
The UP tourism booklet, which was released recently to mark six months of the Yogi Adityanath government, includes plans for new attractions including a tour of monuments and locations central to the Ramayana. It also includes tourist destinations like the Gorakhpur temple (of which the CM is the main priest). It does not feature the Taj.
DISTORTING HISTORY
- “What history are you talking about? The creator of Taj Mahal (Shah Jahan) was a traitor who imprisoned his own father and wanted to wipe out Hindus from Hindustan,” the BJP MLA said
- In reality, Shah Jahan did not imprison his father. He was imprisoned by son Aurangzeb
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