Is the Taj Mahal, accepted as one of the seven wonders of the world, a symbol of India? Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath appears to have reservations of it. In Bihar's Darbhanga for a function to mark three years of the Narendra Modi government, the Chief Minister commended the Prime Minister's practice of gifting Bhagwad Gita and the Indian epic Ramayan to foreign dignitaries.
In this context, he said earlier, Presidents and Prime Ministers of India would gift souvenirs.
"The gifts given to them were Agra's Taj Mahal or some minar that has no connection with India's culture or heritage," said the 45-year-old saffron-robed Chief Minister.
Taj Mahal draws around 8 million visitors a year, a pit stop for visiting foreign dignitaries, royalties
"Whenever Ramayan is gifted to any foreign president, that exhibits the history of Bihar," he added.
In his speech -- touched upon emotive issues like triple talaq, Ayodhya temple and illegal slaughter houses -- Yogi Adityanath also hit out at detractors and political opponents.
It is among the 10 iconic spots of Indian heritage and Indian culture, to be cleaned up under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Clean India mission. Every year, the government spends crores on its upkeep.
Yogi Adityanath Takes Dig At Akhilesh Yadav's Uncle, Gets A "Deputy" Reply "Negative Politics": Samajwadi Party Leader On UP's Ordinance On 'Love Jihad' Woman Reaches Taj Mahal With 'Kanwar', Tries To Offer 'Gangajal': Cops Parents Gave Names Of Interns, Doctors To CBI In Kolkata Horror: Sources How Extreme Weather Is Leading To Rise In Child Marriages In Pakistan Who Is Jasveen Sangha, "Ketamine Queen" Charged With Matthew Perry's Death "Strong Indications" Bangladesh Security Forces Used "Unnecessary" Force: UN Delhi Experienced 15 Consecutive Days Of Rainfall, Says Weather Department Pilot Dies After Plane Crashes During Aerobatic Show In France Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.