Now,Taj Mahotsav dates come under poll cloud

Entering into its 21st year,the much-hyped Taj Mahotsava has landed into a controversy as the festival schedule more or less coincides with polls in the region.

Fearing that they would not be able to provide enough security to thousands of tourists who are likely to attend the 10-day festival in Agra starting from February 18,the district administration is planning to postpone the event. However,local tourism industry has put its foot down,offering to go ahead with the event if the government backs out.

The local tourism industry contends the event will lose its significance if it takes place in the middle of March after the counting of votes.

The offer by the Tourism Guild of Agra to organise the event on its own on the pre-decided schedule has put the state government in a tight spot. The polling for nine assembly seats under Agra district is scheduled for February 28,just a day after the closing of the Mahotsava.

Things are not as easy as many may think. February is the best time for the foreign tourists to visit India and they come here not only to visit Taj. Their trips include visits to other states also. Postponing the dates would be like ruining the event for this year, said Mahatim Singh,convenor of the Tourism Guild of Agra.

The shift in dates may lead to a loss to the industry and so we are willing to organise the event on our own with the help of private security personnel, he said. However,the government has not yet taken any decision on the matter. We are trying to come out with some solution soon, said an official.

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