Taj Mahal should be handed over to Wakf Board, says SP leader Azam Khan

Uttar Pradesh Minister and senior SP leader Azam Khan today suggested that the Taj Mahal and the income generated through it should be handed over to the Wakf Board contending that the monument is a mausoleum.

"Taj Mahal is a mausoleum and each mausoleum is 'Waqf' and comes under the Sunni Central Waqf Board," the state Urban Development Minister told reporters here.

"Taj Mahal is a mausoleum of two Muslims Shahjahan and Mumtaz Mahal. Who they are is not a matter of debate. In religion and dharma, the king and his disciples are equals.

Khan said in a sarcastic note that "the building constructed over the mausoleum is a different matter. If it is a cheap building, then it would be under Waqf Board and if it is an expensive building, generating revenue, then the Indian government will take the money."

"We want that it should be given to the Sunni Central Waqf Board so that they can create their own system, appoint a Nizam and create opportunities of education from the money generated from it for Muslims.

The SP leader said Taj Mahal can create at least two universities and fund their functioning.