'Rise of self-reliant India,' says PM Modi in new Parliament
What's the story
The new Parliament will inspire India to be free from the mentality of slavery, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in his first address in the new complex after its inauguration on Sunday. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla received him to attend the ceremony's second leg, which began with the national anthem after 12pm. Earlier, Modi installed the historic "Sengol" near the LS speaker's chair.
Twitter Post
New Parliament will witness rise of self-reliant India: PM Modi
The new Parliament House is a reflection of the aspirations of new India. https://t.co/qfDGsghJgF
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 28, 2023
Speech
India has left behind colonial mindset today: Modi
In his maiden address at the new Parliament, PM Modi said, "India has left behind the colonial mindset today." "Some moments in a country's development journey become immortalized. Today, May 28, 2023, the people of India gifted this new parliament building to its democracy. It is symbolic of the wishes and dreams of 140 crore people. This is our temple of democracy," he added.
Quote
New Parliament will inspire people break mentality of slavery: Modi
Modi said the new India would be free of slavery mentality, and the new Parliament is a "living symbol" for it. "Twenty-five years from now, India will complete 100 years of its independence and together we have to make it a developed nation," he said.
Details
'Great pride for India', says President Droupadi Murmu
In her special message at the inauguration ceremony, read out by Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairperson Harivansh Singh, President Droupadi Murmu said the new Parliament was a matter of great pride and happiness for the entire country. Meanwhile, Birla expressed his gratitude toward PM Modi and praised him, saying under his leadership, the new Parliament could be built in less than two-and-a-half years.
Twitter Post
Watch: Rousing welcome given to PM Modi in Lok Sabha
#WATCH | PM Modi arrives in the Lok Sabha chamber of the new Parliament building as Members of Parliament and CMs of different states assemble. pic.twitter.com/PCYlPHPWgJ
— ANI (@ANI) May 28, 2023
Proceedings
Special commemorative postal stamp, Rs. 75 coin released
On the occasion, PM Modi also released a special commemorative postage stamp and a Rs. 75 coin to mark the inauguration of the new Parliament building. Earlier on Sunday, the inauguration ceremony began with a traditional puja and Vedic rituals, which continued for almost an hour. The LS speaker was also present along with the PM during the puja.
Reaction
'Considering it coronation': Rahul Gandhi's jibe at PM Modi
Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi took a jibe at PM Modi, claiming the latter was considering the inauguration of the new building as a coronation ceremony. Party General Secretary Jairam Ramesh also tweeted about it and attacked the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led central government. He termed the ceremony a "self-glorifying" event presided over by "an authoritarian PM with utter disdain for parliamentary procedures."
Opposition
19 opposition parties boycott ceremony
Notably, the inauguration event was boycotted by 19 opposition parties, including the Congress, which released a joint statement claiming the building had no significance when the "soul of democracy had been sucked out of Parliament." The four-story structure has been built at an estimated cost of Rs. 970 crore. Tata Projects Limited built the structure, while HCP Design, Planning, and Management, Ahmedabad, designed it.