Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Culture and Tourism, BJP leader Mahesh Sharma in an explosive interview to India Today Television's Rahul Kanwal made a controversial statement that Quran and Bible are not central to the soul of India. Sharma went on to add that Hindu epics like Ramayana, Mahabharata and Gita should be made compulsory in schools.

Sharma also said that although he respects Bible and Quran, he feels that the two holy books are not at par with Hindu epics of Ramayana and Gita. "I respect Bible and Quran but they are not central to the soul of India in same the way as Gita and Ramayana are," Sharma said and added, "As India's cultural minister I recommend that Ramayana and Gita should be part of our school curriculum and I am working extensively with HRD minister Smriti Irani towards this."

Enforce meat ban during Navratra

While the BJP government is already fighting fire over its decision to ban meat in Maharashtra during Jain fasting festival of Paryushan, Sharma said that the meat ban should also be extended to the nine days of Navratra.

"If the sacrifices of a few help maintain the religious sentiments of a section of society, there is no harm in doing this," the minister added.

Western cultural pollution

In the exclusive interview to India Today Television, Sharma stressed that Modi government is determined to free India from Western cultural pollution. He said that the rampant use of narcotics and old age homes are a few examples of western cultural pollution and such practices should not be allowed to mushroom in the country.

Aurangzeb Road



On the question of changing the name of Delhi's Aurangzeb Road to APJ Abdul Kalam Road, the minister said "Aurangzeb was not an inspiring historical figure, I agree with the decision taken by the Delhi government to change the name of Aurangzeb Road after legendary scientist and former president."