Archive · 1 Dec 2025
Former ASI Director Criticizes BJP for Heritage Neglect
A former director of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) named KK Muhammed has said that the last 11 years under the BJP government have been bad for India's cultural heritage.
He thinks the government has not done enough to protect important historical sites and has slowed down important digging projects.
He gave examples like the Bateshwar temple complex, where only a few temples were fixed in 11 years, and Purana Qila in Delhi, where digging was stopped.
He also said the BJP claims to be the true protectors of culture, but he doesn't think they have done a good job.
He did admit that some work is happening now, which wasn't the case when the Congress party was in power.
Former ASI regional director KK Muhammed criticizes BJP government for neglecting cultural heritage over the past 11 years.
Muhammed highlights stalled conservation work, including at the Bateshwar temple complex where only 10 temples were reconstructed.
He accuses the government of halting significant excavations, such as at Delhi's Purana Qila.
Muhammed claims the BJP's assertion of being the 'real owners of culture' has weakened oversight and criticism.
He acknowledges some work is happening under the BJP, unlike during the Congress period.
- Who
- KK Muhammed, former ASI regional director
- What
- Criticism of BJP government for neglecting cultural heritage and conservation efforts
- When
- Over the past 11 years under BJP rule
- Where
- India, specifically at sites like Bateshwar temple complex and Purana Qila
- Why
- Muhammed believes the BJP government has failed to live up to expectations in protecting and preserving India's cultural legacy
- Critic
- KK Muhammed, former ASI regional director
- Duration
- 11 years under BJP government
- Key Sites
- Bateshwar temple complex, Purana Qila
- Temples Reconstructed
- 10 temples in 11 years
- Accusations
- Neglect of conservation, delayed excavations, failure to protect cultural legacy