December 12, 2014
Do not embroil Taj Mahal in any communal controversy: Nadimul Haque in Rajya Sabha
Trinamool MP Nadimul Haque today demanded in the Rajya Sabha that Taj Mahal should not be embroiled in any controversy. Saying that the Taj was a National pride, he said that the monument should be kept away from communal politics.
Full transcript of his speech:
Sir, there is a controversy regarding the property rights of the Taj Mahal. It was declared a monument of National importance by the Archaeological Survey of India under the provisions of Ancient Monuments, Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1951.
Sir, subsequently UNESCO declared it as a ‘World Heritage Site’. Now Sir, the controversy has been triggered by the demand that Taj Mahal should be handed over to UP Sunni Waqf Board which manages Muslim places of worship and burial grounds.
Sir, certain members of the Hindu Community countered the demand by saying Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan purchased part of Tejo Mahalay’s temple land from Raja Jai Singh and claim that documents to prove it still exist.
Sir, there is also a rift between the Shia and Sunni community. Mumtaz Mahal, the Mughal Queen, who is interred in this monument, was a Shia Muslim while her husband Emperor Shah Jahan who is also interred here was a devout Sunni Muslim.
Taj Mahal, Sir, is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India. Taj Mahal should not be made a part of any controversy as it will affect the flow of tourist to the city of Taj i.e Agra. Sir, Taj Mahal is one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Taj Mahal is a prime tourist attraction, attracts most number of foreign tourists in India.
Sir, we urge the Government through you to immediate take necessary action to resolve all the controversies so that the issue may not divide communities and thus create communal problems.
Sir, Shaqeel Badauni in an Urdu couplet has said, Ek shehenshan ne banwakar haseen Taj Mahal, sare duniya ko mohabbat ke nishani di hai. I end with saying this that character and status of Taj Mahal must not be disturbed under any circumstance, no matter who says what. Thank You.
