In a spectacle of national significance, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the newly constructed Parliament building on Sunday, May 28, amid a mixture of anticipation, contention, and boycotts. Despite opposition from certain factions, the Prime Minister expressed his excitement and pride for the project on Twitter, sharing a video of the iconic edifice. He further encouraged citizens to join the conversation under the hashtag ‘#MyParliamentMyPride’, demonstrating his commitment to involving the public in this monumental occasion.
The inauguration ceremony, designed to represent and respect the country’s diverse religious and cultural background, will commence with a dawn havan and a multi-faith prayer. This will be followed by a formal opening in the Lok Sabha by Prime Minister Modi. Notably, despite the boycott announced by 20 Opposition parties, it is expected that representatives from 25 parties will be present at the inauguration.
At the heart of the controversy is the symbolic sceptre ‘Sengol’, a relic connected to India’s freedom, presented to former Prime Minister Pandit Nehru by a holy Saivite Mutt from Tamil Nadu. In the midst of the inaugural preparations, Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticised the Congress party for banishing the Sengol to a museum, accusing them of disregarding Indian traditions and culture.
Moreover, the BJP and Prime Minister Modi have decided to honour the Sengol as a national symbol of the Amrit Kaal. In a significant ceremony, the same Sengol from 1947 will be vested with the Prime Minister and subsequently installed in the Lok Sabha, near the Speaker’s podium. It will remain prominently displayed for the nation and will be brought out on special occasions.
However, these developments have drawn flak from some quarters. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh vehemently disputed the BJP’s assertions, contending there is no documented evidence of the Sengol being a symbol of the transfer of British power to India. Ramesh further accused the Prime Minister and his associates of using the scepter for political gains, primarily in Tamil Nadu.
Adding to the controversy, 21 opposition parties have decided to boycott the inauguration, objecting to the decision of Prime Minister Modi presiding over the ceremony instead of President Droupadi Murmu. This group of parties has asserted that the move undermines the President’s office and the Indian Constitution.
This discord was amplified by the Supreme Court’s dismissal of a PIL seeking the inauguration by President Droupadi Murmu. The plea claimed that the Lok Sabha Secretariat had violated the Constitution by not extending an invitation to the President.
In response to these boycotts and accusations, BJP National President JP Nadda has labelled the opposition as “dynasty-run political parties,” alleging that their monarchic methods contrast with the principles of republicanism and democracy inherent in the Indian Constitution. He further warned that the Indian people would punish these parties for placing politics above national interests.
While the dispute continues, the inauguration is set to proceed, showcasing a modern Parliament building that promises to make every Indian proud. Despite the ongoing controversy, this momentous occasion marks a new chapter in the annals of India’s democratic journey.
