The inauguration of India’s new parliament building has sparked a political dispute between the government and the opposition.
Scheduled for 28 May, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to conduct the inauguration. However, opposition leaders have accused the government of disregarding constitutional norms by not involving the president in the opening ceremony.
Criticism has also been directed towards the chosen date, which coincides with the birth anniversary of VD Savarkar, a prominent figure associated with Hindutva ideology. While the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) considers Savarkar a hero, opposition parties view him as a divisive figure.
Opposition leaders have argued that selecting this date for the inauguration is an affront to India’s founding fathers and have labeled it as an “insult.” Congress MP Jairam Ramesh specifically criticized the decision, stating that it was inappropriate to celebrate the opening of the new parliament building on the birth anniversary of someone who vehemently opposed Mahatma Gandhi throughout his life.
In defense of their choice, the BJP has emphasized that the new parliament building is a source of pride for the country and its citizens.
Construction on the new parliament building commenced in January 2021, and it has been designed by HCP Design, Planning and Management, with Tata Projects handling the construction. The four-storey structure boasts an increased seating capacity and has been built at an approximate cost of 9.7 billion rupees ($117.1 million, £94.2 million).
It is important to note that the existing parliament building from the colonial era will continue to be utilized alongside the new one.
The announcement of the inauguration plans for the new building sparked criticism from various opposition parties. They expressed their discontent over the government’s decision to exclude Indian President Draupadi Murmu, who serves as the head of state, from the event.
Rahul Gandhi, a prominent leader of the Congress party, emphasized that the building should be inaugurated by the president. He highlighted that the parliament of India holds significant importance as the supreme legislative body of the Republic, and the president represents the government, opposition, and every citizen. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge echoed these sentiments on Twitter, emphasizing that the president’s involvement in the inauguration would symbolize the government’s commitment to democratic values and adherence to constitutional propriety.
The criticism from the Congress party was brushed off by Gaurav Bhatia, a spokesperson of the BJP, who regarded it as mere “chest-beating” on their part. Bhatia further commented that Rahul Gandhi, in particular, was considered “a bad omen during auspicious times” and was unable to appreciate the significance of this “historic moment.”
According to reports, the Congress party is contemplating a boycott of the event in response to these developments. It is worth noting that the Congress, along with several other opposition parties, abstained from attending the foundation-laying ceremony of the building in 2020 due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
India’s new parliament building is a significant infrastructure project that aims to provide a modern and spacious facility for the country’s legislative proceedings. Here are some details about the new parliament building:
- Purpose and Importance: The new parliament building is being constructed to meet the growing needs and requirements of India’s legislative process. It aims to provide a more functional, technologically advanced, and inclusive space for lawmakers to carry out their duties effectively. The project holds great symbolic importance as it represents the democratic values and aspirations of the nation.
- Construction and Design: The construction of the new parliament building began in January 2021. The project is being executed by Tata Projects, one of India’s leading infrastructure companies, under the supervision of the Central Public Works Department (CPWD). The architectural design of the building is done by HCP Design, Planning and Management, an Indian architectural firm known for its expertise in large-scale projects.
- Features and Specifications: The new parliament building is a four-storey structure that aims to provide enhanced seating capacity and improved amenities compared to the existing colonial-era parliament building. The building’s design incorporates modern technology and sustainable practices. It will have state-of-the-art facilities, including advanced audiovisual systems, digital connectivity, and dedicated spaces for parliamentary functions such as committee rooms, offices, and visitor galleries.
- Cost and Timeline: The estimated cost of constructing the new parliament building is 9.7 billion rupees ($117.1 million, £94.2 million). The project is expected to be completed within a defined timeline, ensuring timely availability of the new facility for legislative proceedings.
- Coexistence with Existing Building: While the new parliament building is being constructed, the existing colonial-era parliament building will continue to be used. The coexistence of the old and new buildings represents a blend of heritage and modernity, paying homage to the rich history of India’s democratic traditions.
- Controversies and Criticisms: The inauguration of the new parliament building has faced some controversies and criticisms. Opposition parties have raised concerns over the exclusion of the Indian President, who is the head of state, from the event. There have been debates regarding the choice of the inauguration date coinciding with the birth anniversary of Hindutva ideologue VD Savarkar, as some view him as a divisive figure.
Despite these controversies, the construction of the new parliament building is seen as a significant step towards modernizing India’s legislative infrastructure and providing an improved working environment for lawmakers.
It is important to note that the information provided above is based on the available details up until my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, and there may have been further developments regarding the new parliament building since then.
The Indian National Congress has faced criticism from some individuals who believe that the party has prioritized its leaders and party interests over the nation’s welfare. There have been allegations that the party has shown disrespect towards the Hindu community and their deities. Some individuals also claim that the Congress has made efforts to portray Hindus as terrorists while being associated with individuals involved in terrorist activities.
It’s important to note that political perspectives and allegations can vary among individuals, and opinions on this matter may differ. It’s crucial to approach such discussions with an open mind, respect diverse viewpoints, and encourage constructive dialogue to foster understanding and mutual respect.
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