The inauguration of the new Parliament building in New Delhi has stirred up a heated controversy, with prominent political figures expressing their concerns and opposition. The event, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was marked by elaborate rituals and has raised questions about the promotion of Hindutva ideology and the inclusion of religion in a secular institution.
Unattended Event
Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief, Sharad Pawar, who refrained from attending the ceremony, expressed his satisfaction at not being present. Pawar, after watching the inauguration, voiced his worries about the direction the nation is heading in and expressed shock over the rituals that took place during the event.
Opposition Boycott
The Opposition parties, including the NCP, boycotted the ceremony, arguing that President Droupadi Murmu should have been given the honor of inaugurating the new Parliament building instead of PM Modi. Their absence added to the controversy, with NCP MP Supriya Sule remarking that the event felt incomplete without the presence of the Opposition.
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Alleged Promotion of Hindutva Ideology
Critics have accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of using the inauguration as a platform to further their Hindutva ideology. Prakash Ambedkar, president of Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi, argued that the elaborate religious rituals conducted by Prime Minister Modi revealed the true intentions of the BJP government. He claimed that the event sent a bold message endorsing the party's hardline Hindutva ideology.
Secularism Undermined
Ambedkar further questioned the decision to exclude President Droupadi Murmu from the inauguration, suggesting that it was an intentional move by the RSS-BJP alliance. He contended that the RSS-BJP strictly adheres to Manusmruti traditions, which sideline women, dalits, and tribals. President Murmu, being a woman from a tribal community, was deemed suitable for the prestigious role. This exclusion, according to Ambedkar, undermined the sacrosanct principle of secularism enshrined in the Indian Constitution.
The Larger Agenda
Ambedkar went on to assert that the BJP's larger agenda revolves around establishing a "Hindu Rashtra" (Hindu nation). He argued that the event was a clear indication of the government's commitment to this ideology. By showcasing the religious ceremonies during the inauguration, the RSS-BJP aimed to convey their strong Hindutva stance, he claimed.
Concerns for Secularism
The Opposition parties' concerns are rooted in their belief that the Parliament, as a symbol of democratic governance, should uphold secular values and principles. They contend that introducing religious elements into the institution compromises its secular nature and raises questions about the BJP's intentions.
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The inauguration of the new Parliament building has sparked a contentious debate, with critics questioning the motives behind the elaborate religious rituals and the exclusion of President Droupadi Murmu. The event has reignited discussions about the BJP's promotion of Hindutva ideology and its impact on the secular fabric of the nation. As the controversy rages on, the opposition remains steadfast in their commitment to preserving the principles of secularism within the country's democratic institutions.
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