Agra: A dozen youths belonging to Rashtra Swabhimaan Dal (RSD) and Hindu Yuva Vahini (HYV) were caught reciting ‘Shiva Chalisa (hymn)’ on the premises of the Taj Mahal, causing tension at the iconic monument. The youths, belonging to Hindu outfit were taken away by CISF personnel and released after they submitted a written apology.
The incident comes a week after controversial BJP MLA Sangeet Som questioned the Taj Mahal’s place in history, saying that the iconic monument was built by ‘traitors’ who targeted Hindus.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zQNdFJv9ro
His comments caused a political stir across the country following which the BJP governments in UP and the Centre distanced themselves from the MLA’s comments.
Agra: Members of Rashtriya Swabhimaan Dal & Hindu Yuva Vahini chanted 'Shiv Chalisa' at Taj Mahal yesterday pic.twitter.com/x8qhrPxjbo
— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) October 24, 2017
BJP legislator from Uttar Pradesh, Sangeet Som, had questioned the Taj Mahals place in Indias heritage and said history would be rewritten to erase Mughal emperors from it.
Chief minister Yogi Adityanath is slated to visit Taj on October 26 to review various schemes related to tourism in Agra.
Vinay Katiyar, another leader from the party, a few days later claimed the Taj was Lord Shivas temple called Tejo Mahal, which was converted into a mausoleum by Shahjahan.