Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a grand ceremony marked by traditional rituals and the installation of the sceptre “Sengol,” dedicated the new Parliament House to the nation. In his usual style, he referred to India’s rich culture and heritage to instill a strong sense of nationalism. Modi also highlighted the accomplishments of his government over the past nine years and set the year 2047 as the deadline for India to become a developed country.<\/p>\n
The Prime Minister emphasized that the new Parliament Building would strengthen the nation’s belief in its success and serve as an inspiration towards achieving a developed India, or “Viksit Bharat.” Addressing a significant gathering that primarily consisted of ruling party MPs, ministers, top officials, and other distinguished individuals, Modi described his government’s nine years as a period of reconstruction and welfare for the poor, known as “Gareeb Kalyan.”<\/p>\n
However, the event was marred by the absence of 20 opposition parties, led by the Congress, who chose to boycott the ceremony. The opposition parties issued a joint statement condemning PM Modi’s decision to inaugurate the new Parliament building while sidelining President Droupadi Murmu. They viewed it as a grave insult and a direct assault on democracy, demanding an appropriate response.<\/p>\n
Unfazed by the opposition’s actions, PM Modi appeared to be making a strong appeal for public support as he aimed for a third consecutive term next year. Among the attendees from non-BJP parties were YSR Congress Chief and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy, JD(S) leader and former PM HD Deve Gowda, and Shiromani Akali Dal President Sukhbir Singh Badal.<\/p>\n
During his speech, PM Modi expressed his satisfaction with the construction of four crore houses for the poor. He also highlighted the achievements of building eleven crore toilets, four lakh kilometers of roads to connect villages, over 50,000 Amrit Sarovars (sacred pools), and 30,000 new Panchayat Bhawans (village council buildings).<\/p>\n
The Prime Minister emphasized that the common goal throughout this journey, from Panchayat Bhawans to Parliament, has been the development of the nation and its people.<\/p>\n
Regarding the new Parliament building, Modi remarked on its incorporation of heritage, architecture, art, skill, culture, and constitutional principles. He noted that the interiors of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were themed after the national bird, peacock, and national flower, lotus, respectively.<\/p>\n
He also mentioned that the Parliament premises featured the national tree, Banyan, and that materials from different parts of the country, such as granite from Rajasthan, timber from Maharashtra, and carpets by artisans from Bhadhoi, were used in the construction.<\/p>\n
The foundation stone for the new Parliament House was laid by PM Modi in December 2020. Despite disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the triangular-shaped building was completed in record time.<\/p>\n
The government stated in 2021 that the estimated cost of the new Parliament Building was Rs 971 crore, surpassing the original estimate of Rs 862 crore. Tata Projects Ltd (TPL) constructed the building after winning the bid over its closest rival, L&T.<\/p>\n
The old Parliament House, designed by Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker during the colonial era, was inaugurated on January 18, 1927. It remains an imposing British-era building, characterized by its majesty and architectural splendor.<\/p>\n
PM Modi described the new building as an example of the coexistence of ancient and modern elements. He highlighted the long-standing discussions about the need for a new Parliament and stressed that it was a timely development.<\/p>\n
To commemorate this historic occasion, the PM received a 5-feet long golden sceptre called “Sengol” from priests in<\/p>\n