CPI(M) slams Sangeet Som over Taj Mahal remarks

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) on Monday slammed Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Sangeet Som for his Taj Mahal remarks and said people like him try to divide people on religious grounds.

Earlier in the day, Som said that the iconic Taj Mahal was built by traitors and hence, cannot be included in the Indian history.

Speaking to ANI, CPI (M) general secretary Sitarama Yechury said, "It is a tragedy that the people like Sangeet Som have not read Indian history. These people have no knowledge of their own heritage. They are only concentrated on how to somehow polarize the people on religious grounds."

Som drew flak from Opposition parties for his remarks that he made during an event at the Sisoli village in Meerut district.

While addressing a gathering, Som said, "Many people were disappointed that the Taj Mahal was removed from the Uttar Pradesh tourism booklet. What history are we talking about? The creator of Taj Mahal (Shahjahan) imprisoned his father. He wanted to wipe out Hindus. If these people are part of our history, then it is very sad and we will change this history."

He remained adamant on his remark and said he does not oppose the monument, but the Mughals who built it.

Speaking to ANI, the BJP MLA said, "I don't oppose Taj Mahal as it's a beautiful heritage. I oppose Mughals who built it and how they've been portrayed in the Indian history."

He further said that the Mughals were not Indian but attackers who demolished temples.