Taj Mahal part of an ancient temple: UP BJP chief

Lakshmikant Bajpayee was responding to the alleged demand of Azam Khan that the Taj should be handed over the the State Wakf Board.

Mathura: BJP State President Laxmi Kant Vajpyee addressing during the State BJP Working Committee in Vrindavan near Mathura on Sunday. PTI Photo (PTI8_24_2014_000140A)

A part of Taj Mahal was part of an ancient temple, claimed Lakshmikant Bajpayee, BJP chief of Uttar Pradesh, on Monday.

He also claimed that a substantial part of Taj Mahal was part of a palace which was owned by King Jai Singh from whom Mughal emperor Shah Jahan had bought the land when he decided to build one of the seven wonders of the world. The temple was part of the portion Shah Jahan bought from the Hindu king, added Mr. Bajpayee.

"A part of the Taj Mahal was ancient Tejo Mahalaya temple's land. I am not saying this in air but there are documents to prove this," he said.

Mr. Bajpayee argued that a building which was earlier a temple can anyways be not part of Wakf.

He was responding to the alleged demand of Azam Khan that the Taj should be handed over the the State Wakf Board.

"The properties of Wakf Board are in a pathetic state. Azam's demand of handing over the Taj Mahal to Wakf Board is ridiculous," maintained Mr. Bajpayee.

When asked if the state BJP is going to do anything to reclaim the temple which he claims was a part of the Taj Mahal, he said, "There is no question of raising the temple issue which was settled between Jai Singh and Shah Jahan. The Hindu king had shifted the temple before selling off the building.