BJP tries to distance itself from Sangeet Som's Taj Mahal remark

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Monday attempted to distance itself from Sangeet Som's comments on the Taj Mahal, dubbing them as his "individual opinion".

BJP MLA from Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Som had said that the Taj Mahal was built by 'traitors' and cannot be included in Indian history.

"That may be his individual opinion. My chief minister and I have on record said that it's our cultural heritage. It's an international heritage site. We are proud that the Taj is situated in UP. It's a great tourist site and we are also converting Agra into a first-class city. It is a great asset. I will not comment on individual opinions, government's stand is clear," UP minister Rita Bahuguna Joshi told the media.

The MLA from Sardhana also reportedly said that the Taj Mahal was a blot on India culture.

Som made these remarks during a function at Sisoli village in Meerut district on Sunday.

It needs to be noted that the Taj Mahal was also omitted from Uttar Pradesh's official tourism booklet

According to reports, Som also said that Mohammad Ali Jauhar University was a hub of terrorists.

Som has been in the news for making communally charged statements even in the past. He was earlier booked for making inflammatory statements in connection with the Muzaffarnagar riots, but was later given a clean chit.

OneIndia News