NEW DELHI: In a stinging response to recent remarks questioning the Taj Mahal’s place in history by India’s ruling party legislator, a leading politician on Monday asked if Prime Minister Narendra Modi would stop hosting foreign dignitaries at the state capital’s iconic Hyderabad House, because that, too, was built by “traitors”.

Earlier, the rightwing Hindu government in Uttar Pradesh removed the Taj Mahal from its official list of tourist destinations for which the state is famous, according to a Times of India report.

The move followed comments from Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath who said the 17th century marvel in Agra did not represent Indian ethos and was built by “traitors”.

Responding to the controversial remarks, Lok Sabha member Asaduddin Owaisi, tweeted: “Traitors also built Red Fort will Modi stop hoisting Tiranga? Can Modi and Yogi tell domestic and foreign tourist not to visit Taj Mahal?”

The All India Majlis-i-Ittehadul Muslimeen chief, in a series of tweets, also said that the Hyderabad House in Delhi — the state capital’s venue for hosting foreign dignitaries — was built by a “traitor”. “Even Hyderabad House in Delhi was built by traitor will Modi stop hosting Foreign Dignitaries?” he asked on Twitter.

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party leader’s remarks about the Taj being a “blot on Indian culture” have sparked shock and rage online.

Published in Dawn, October 17th, 2017

Opinion

Editorial

Kurram atrocity
Updated 22 Nov, 2024

Kurram atrocity

It would be a monumental mistake for the state to continue ignoring the violence in Kurram.
Persistent grip
22 Nov, 2024

Persistent grip

PAKISTAN has now registered 50 polio cases this year. We all saw it coming and yet there was nothing we could do to...
Green transport
22 Nov, 2024

Green transport

THE government has taken a commendable step by announcing a New Energy Vehicle policy aiming to ensure that by 2030,...
Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...