Dhar (MP): In a significant statement that could create a row, Union Minister of State for Culture Bhavnaben Chikalia has asserted that no mosque existed inside the disputed complex at Bhojshala.

Stating that the complex was an "Aastha Kendra (centre of religious belief" for Hindus, the minister, who offered prayers on June 3, objected to depiction of 'Kamal Maula mosque' on the entry ticket issued by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and some other documents, asking the ASI official in-charge of the monument S B Ota "where is the mosque?"

Noticing a cemetery in the disputed premises, she asked the ASI official to give details of when it was built and during whose rule.

Chikalia, who was accompanied by BJP leader Uma Bharti, also sought historical details about two wells - 'Akal kui' and 'Ganga kui' and wanted to know how "encroachments" came up.

"It is an ancient temple. There is ample proof in this regard," Chikalia told reporters referring to miniature statues of deities on pillars of the old structure.

"There is no mosque here. It is outside the premises," she asserted.

PTI