MAKING OF A SYMBOL, BIT BY BIT

THE CONTROVERSIES

Cost & Timing
The timing of the new Parliament building project has raised questions, as it was launched during the Covid-19 pandemic. Critics have questioned the need for such a project during a time of crisis. Additionally, the cost of the project has become a matter of debate, with varying figures ranging from Rs 862 crore to Rs 971 crore to Rs 1,250 crore.

Birthday
Controversy has also arisen due to the inauguration date coinciding with the birth anniversary of Vir Savarkar. This has led to differing opinions and discussions surrounding the choice of the inauguration date.

Inauguration
A part of the opposition has expressed discontent and boycotted the inaugural ceremony, objecting to Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurating the new Parliament. They argue that according to Article 79, the President of India holds a central position in Parliament and should have been the one to inaugurate it. As the head of the Indian state and custodian of the Constitution, they believe the President should have performed this role.

Sengol
The Sengol, a historical sceptre, holds significance in the legacy of the Indian Parliament. It was originally presented to Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, symbolizing the transfer of power from the British Government to India. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has raised concerns, stating that the Sengol, which was received by Nehru, is currently housed in a museum in Allahabad. They view this as another failure on Nehru’s part to preserve India’s history, reflecting their dissatisfaction with the handling of historical artifacts.