Dhar, June 03: BJP leader Uma Bharati raked up a fresh controversy here today by saying that there was proof that no mosque ever existed in Bhojshala. She also alleged that Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Digvijay Singh had "committed a sin" by stating that a mosque existed here. Talking to reporters after performing puja at Bhojshala, Bharati said that the Bhojshala issue should be settled on the lines of Somnath Temple through talks and Digvijay Singh should take the initiative to start dialogue.
"All sides should settle the matter through talks and Digvijay Singh as the chief minister should take the initiative," she said. "He should make amends on this by settling the issue within his tenure as a chief minister".
Minister of State for Culture Bhavana Chikhalia, while claiming that the Digvijay Singh government was trying to reap political capital on the issue, said "some lacunae" existed in the system that was now in operation at the Bhojshala complex and it needed to be corrected. She backed Uma's assertion that no mosque existed at the site and said Mughal rulers had destroyed several temples in different parts of the country and "this is one of them".
She demanded that the Re 1 ASI tickets should have only Bhojshala written on them instead of Bhojshala and Kamal Maula's Mosque.
Alleging that Congress had hatched a conspiracy to turn all the monuments of national importance into disputed issues, Bharati said, "Bhojshala is also a victim of that conspiracy." Asserting that there should be no politicking she felt "the matter should not be allowed to blow into a major problem like Ayodhya. Very good solution is possible as there has never been a dispute on the issue".
The BJP leader added that her party would not use the issue as its poll plank as it is a matter concerning Hindu sentiments.
Asked whether the Centre would take any initiative in resolving the issue, Bharati said the NDA government had already taken steps towards that end. Bureau Report