INAUGURATING India’s new parliament building, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized that it represented the hopes and aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians, referring to it as the temple of democracy and a symbol of the country’s determination to the world. The ceremony blended symbolism, history, and aspirations for the future. The PM portrayed the inauguration as a symbol of India’s progress, self-confidence, and rejuvenation. He said the building connected India’s past and present, highlighting the continuity of the nation’s heritage from the Indus Valley civilization to the present day. The “nayi sansad,” he affirmed, represents new energy, rejuvenation, and a fresh start for the nation. At the same time, the PM acknowledged the responsibility that comes with India’s democracy, as it serves as a foundation for world democracy. The Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the new Parliament building is the starting point of the country’s journey towards excellence in every field.
It was truly a momentous occasion for the country. The new Parliament building was constructed with materials representing different regions of India. The old Parliament building in India holds significant historical importance, as it witnessed major milestones in the nation’s history, such as the declaration of independence from Britain in 1947 and the adoption of the Constitution that established India as a democratic republic. However, due to the country’s growing population, the old building no longer fulfills the requirements of being the seat of government for the world’s populous country. One of the main challenges with the old Parliament building was its limited space to accommodate the 543 members of the lower house, known as the Lok Sabha. As India’s population continues to grow, the number of legislators is expected to increase in the coming years, further exacerbating the space constraints.
However, the inauguration was marked by the boycott from a majority of the opposition parties. Around 250 opposition lawmakers from both chambers of the Indian government chose to abstain from attending a parliamentary session in protest. They argued that the PM, Modi, had once again exceeded his authority, which they believed was eroding India’s constitutional democracy. This demonstration of opposition unity was significant as approximately 20 opposition parties joined together to criticize the PM’s actions. They accused him of assuming a position that should be held exclusively by India’s president, Droupadi Murmu.
The BJP countered such assertions by highlighting that the practice of inaugurating additions and annexes in the old Parliament building by previous prime ministers is not unprecedented. But the politics triggered by the inauguration of the parliament shouldn’t detract from the sacred and momentous nature of the occasion. Here’s hoping that the new temple of democracy ushers in a more vigorous democracy which is inclusive and at the same time truly reflective of the diversity of India.
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