Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s new parliament building amidst protests and boycotts by opposition parties. Many opposition parties abstained from participating, stating their preference for the president to open the building instead of Modi.
The ceremony witnessed the detention of prominent wrestlers who were protesting near the new parliament.
The new building replaces the British-era parliament.
The formal inauguration events commenced at 07:00 on Sunday. Modi unveiled a plaque dedicating the building to the nation and delivered a speech to lawmakers, emphasizing its significance as a symbol of Indian aspirations and democracy. Rahul Gandhi, leader of the main opposition Congress party, criticized Modi, likening the inauguration to a coronation ceremony. Last week, 19 parties, including the Congress, collectively decided to boycott the event, citing objections to the government’s choice of the birth anniversary of VD Savarkar, a divisive figure, for the ceremony. The BJP accused the opposition of disrespecting democracy.
Additionally, Modi installed a historically significant gold scepter called the sengol, which the government claimed was given to India’s first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, by priests from a prominent Hindu sect. The opposition, however, deemed the government’s claims about the scepter exaggerated.
The new parliament building is part of the government’s larger Central Vista project in Delhi, aimed at replacing colonial-era government structures. The new four-story building, constructed at an estimated cost of 9.7 billion rupees ($117.1 million), has a seating capacity for 1,272 MPs.
The Lok Sabha chamber, representing the lower house, is designed in the likeness of a peacock, while the Rajya Sabha chamber, representing the upper house, resembles the lotus. The current parliament building will be converted into a museum due to its deteriorating condition and overuse.
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