BJP creating divisiveness in society: BSP

The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) on 18 October accused Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Vinay Katiyar of creating divisiveness in society by declaring that the Taj Mahal had been built over a Hindu Temple.

BSP leader Sudhindra Bhadoria told ANI that even the Archaeological Survey of India and the Ministry of Culture have accepted that the Taj Mahal was built by fifth Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan.

"This is a well settled issue. However BJP leaders from time to time arouse sentiments and create a sort of divisiveness in Indian society," Bhadoria claimed.

Bhadoria urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to speak on this matter which 'concerns the global humanity, society and architecture.'

"I think he should come out in his 'Mann ki Baat' and state what his Mann Ki Baat is on this crucial issue," he said.

Katiyar on 17 October said Taj Mahal is built over a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, and therefore should be renamed.

He said Taj Mahal was known as Tejo Mahal and had a 'shivling', which was later removed from the premises.

-ANI