Adheenam modi

New Delhi, May 27: On the eve of the inauguration of the new Parliament building, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Adheenam priests and received their blessings at his official residence in New Delhi. During the meeting, the Adheenams handed over a special gift to the Prime Minister, including the sceptre called ‘Sengol,’ which will be installed near the Speaker’s seat in the new Parliament.

The ‘Sengol’ is a five-feet long sceptre made of silver and gold. It holds historical significance as it was originally presented to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru by Lord Mountbatten on August 14, 1947, as a symbol of the transfer of power during India’s independence. Afterward, the Sengol was displayed at The Allahabad Museum.

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Pratima Bhoumik, Union Minister of State for social justice and Empowerment shares a glimpse of the event.

However, the presentation of the sceptre sparked a political controversy surrounding the inauguration of the new Parliament building. The Congress party raised doubts about the government’s claim that it symbolized the transfer of power at the moment of India’s Independence. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), on the other hand, dismissed the criticism, stating that the opposition party disliked Indian culture.

The Congress party questioned the BJP’s version, stating that although the sceptre was crafted in Madras and presented to Nehru in 1947, it had no direct connection to the freedom movement or India’s independence. Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh took to Twitter, highlighting the lack of documented evidence to support the claim.

In response, Union Home Minister Amit Shah retaliated, questioning the Congress party’s disdain for Indian traditions and culture. He emphasized that the sacred Sengol was given to Pandit Nehru by a holy Saivite Mutt from Tamil Nadu to symbolize India’s freedom, but it was relegated to a museum as a mere walking stick.

Amidst the controversy, the opening ceremony of the new Parliament building has already faced opposition as 21 opposition parties have decided to boycott the event. They contend that President Droupadi Murmu, being the head of the State, should be responsible for the inauguration rather than Prime Minister Modi.

Despite the controversy surrounding the sceptre and the opposition’s boycott, the inauguration of the new Parliament building remains a significant event in India’s political landscape. It symbolizes the country’s democratic traditions and the functioning of its parliamentary system, which plays a vital role in shaping the nation’s future.

As the ceremony approaches, it is crucial to focus on the larger significance of the event and the responsibilities that lie ahead for the lawmakers who will occupy the new building. The new Parliament will serve as a platform for crucial debates, discussions, and decisions that will shape the future of India.

The presentation of the ‘Sengol’ sceptre to Prime Minister Modi by the Adheenams adds a layer of symbolism to the upcoming inauguration of the new Parliament building. While controversies and disagreements persist, it is essential to remember the broader context of democratic governance and the significance of the parliamentary institution in India’s democratic fabric.