Taj Mahal was originally a 'Shiv Temple': Vinay Katiyar on Chalisa controversy

New Delhi [India], October 24 (ANI): Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Vinay Katiyar on Tuesday came out in support of the youth, who were caught reciting 'Shiv Chalisa' inside the premises of the Taj Mahal, saying that the act should not be condemned as there are many signs that show the monument was originally a Shiv Temple.

Katiyar's statement comes a day after, the youth, belonging to the Rashtra Swabhimaan Dal (RSD) and the Hindu Yuva Vahini (HYV), were caught reciting 'Shiv Chalisa' inside the premises of the Taj Mahal, causing tension at the iconic monument, which, they claimed, was originally a Shiv Temple.

While speaking to ANI, Katiyar said, "The youth, who read 'Shiv Chalisa' inside the premises of the Taj Mahal, should not be condemned. Because it was once a Shiv Temple and a 'Shivaling' was also built, which was later removed. There are many other signs that show that few parts of the Mughal mausoleum is a Hindu Temple."

"They have changed a beautiful place into a graveyard. Shah Jahan has transformed a beautiful temple into a graveyard. Also, to keep a photograph of someone's grave at home is not right. I'm not saying that history should be changed, but it can be corrected," he said.

Yesterday, the youth were taken away by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel and released after they submitted a written apology.

This incident comes a week after controversial BJP leader Sangeet Som questioned the Taj Mahal's place in history, saying that the iconic monument was built by 'traitors' who targetted the Hindus. His comments caused a political stir across the country following which the BJP governments in UP and the Centre distanced themselves from the leader's comments.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is all set to visit Taj Mahal on October 26 to review various schemes related to tourism in Agra. (ANI)