In what could turn into a controversy, the Uttar Pradesh has made no mention of Taj Mahal – one of the seven wonders of the world – in the list of tourist destinations published by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s administration.
The brochure released by Tourism Minister Rita Bahuguna has made no mention of the white marble stunner among the state’s tourist hotspots, and has instead carried the names of temples from Mathura, Ayodhya and Gorakhpur.
Facing criticism from various quarters, the state government said that out of the Rs 350 crore loan taken from the World Bank for state tourism, Rs 150 crore has been set aside for the development works of Taj mahal and its adjoining areas.
UP minister Siddharth Nath Singh said, “There has been some miscommunication which has undermined the Taj mahal”.
Further clarifying on the same, Singh said that the state government is even thinking of constructing an international airport at Agra for the convenience of passengers.
Earlier this year, Yogi Adityanath had criticised the custom of gifting Taj Mahal to foreign dignitaries as it doesn’t represent Indian culture.
Opposition leaders said the new brochure proves the UP government discriminates against Muslims and attempts to blank out any part of India's cultural heritage that is not Hindu.
