Taj Mahal ownership in dispute

     Lucknow: The historic Taj Mahal is in for some controversy, as an Islamic organisation has petitioned in the court for its possession. The 17th century white marble monument, located in Agra, is managed by the state agency-the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Now the Uttar Pradesh Sunni Waqf Board, which owns all Muslim graveyards, has submitted a petition in the Allahabad High Court that the Taj Mahal being a mausoleum is its property. The sanctum sanctorum of the Taj Mahal, built by Mogul Emperor Shah Jahan between 1632 and 1654 for his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, houses their graves. "As the Taj Mahal is a mausoleum, and it's not just one but two mausoleums. As per the religion of Islam every mausoleum is a Waqf (Islamic charity). Though the Taj Mahal has become famous as the seventh wonder of the world, but since it's a tomb, it's a part of the Waqf. Even the mosque adjacent to the Taj Mahal, is a part of the Waqf. We believe that the monument is a Waqf and only has to be registered now," said Hafiz Mohammed Usman, Chairman of the Sunni Waqf Board. He said it would be incumbent on the ASI, which has ignored notices in the past, to reply. "The third hearing is on the 19th (April) and we have sent a notice to the Archaeological Survey of India. We have told them that we have proof and the court's direction. In light of the controversy we have already told them that if you have any proof then show it to us," Usman said. The board is demanding a share of the entrance fee revenue and a say in how the rest of the money is used. The Taj Mahal, designated by the United Nations as a world heritage monument, is located in the northern city of Agra, about 210 kilometers east of New Delhi. Hundreds of thousands of tourists visit the Taj Mahal every year.

BJP routed in Goa panchayat polls (Go To Top)

     Panaji: The Zila Panchayat election results proved to be a set back for the BJP, while for the Goa state Congress, it is a time to celebrate. The results of the recently held polls, is bound to be a shot in the arm for the Congress party, after the decision to impose President's rule in the state. Congress candidates swept the Zila Panchyat elections, winning 30 of the 50 seats in North and South Goa. The saffron party suffered a major set back, after it won just 11 seats with North Goa witnessing the party's worst performance. BJP candidates won just nine seats in the 30-member body. But as is usually the case in Goa, the Congress now has to deal with the task of placating the long list of claimants for the main post of chairperson.

Lok Sabha passes vote on account (Go To Top)

     New Delhi: Lok Sabha on Thursday passed vote on account for Rs 1692.69 billion for defraying government expenditure for the first two months of 2005-06. The House also passed the relevant Appropriation bills. The vote-on-account was passed by a voice vote amidst walkout by BSP and SP members who protested against low allocation for Uttar Pradesh in the Budget.