The Congress party has vehemently criticized the central government for vacating Delhi’s National Museum as part of the Central Vista redevelopment project. Congress leader Shashi Tharoor denounces the move as “barbarism, pure and simple.” Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh expresses deep concern about the fate of this national treasure. The National Museum is expected to be vacated by the end of 2023, but uncertainty looms regarding the building’s future.
The Congress party has launched a scathing critique against the central government for its decision to vacate the National Museum in Delhi, a move connected to the larger Central Vista redevelopment project. Critics argue that this action forms part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s perceived “systematic erasure campaign” and bemoan the potential loss of another iconic structure.
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has voiced his apprehension, characterizing the demolition of this historic edifice and its replacement with a government building as “barbarism, pure and simple.” He expressed dismay that the National Museum will remain inaccessible for at least two years during the transition period.
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh took to social media to share images of the museum, emphasizing the architectural significance of the building and the looming uncertainty surrounding its future. Ramesh underscored that the National Museum, designed by G B Deolalikar and inaugurated in 1960, seamlessly blends modern and traditional elements, rendering it a veritable national treasure.
The National Museum, renowned for its extensive collection of ancient artifacts, is slated to be vacated by the close of 2023. However, questions linger regarding whether this over six-decade-old structure will be preserved or demolished once the collections have been relocated. The proposed Yuge Yugeen Bharat National Museum, positioned within the North and South Blocks of the Raisina Hill complex, is the intended repository for these collections.
The National Museum safeguards an inventory of over 200,000 priceless exhibits and holds profound historical significance in India’s recent past. The prospect of its demolition raises legitimate concerns surrounding the preservation of the country’s cultural heritage.
The Congress party’s sharp critique underscores its opposition to the central government’s overarching redevelopment project and its potential ramifications for historically and culturally significant landmarks. The future of the National Museum and the safeguarding of its collections remain mired in uncertainty.
