Historic Shift: India’s Parliament Moves to State-of-the-Art Building – 10 Highlights

New Delhi, September 19, 2023 – India is witnessing a historic moment today as the nation’s parliamentarians prepare to make a momentous shift from the old Parliament building to a new and modern one. As the ongoing five-day special session of Parliament continues, Tuesday, September 19, 2023, will be etched into the annals of history as the day of this significant transition.

Here are the top 10 points surrounding this historic event:

1. Memorable Moments: The first day of the special session was filled with memories as Members of Parliament (MPs) reminisced about their time spent in the old Parliament complex. Prime Minister Narendra Modi fondly recalled iconic speeches delivered by former Prime Ministers Jawahar Lal Nehru and Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The PM also reflected on various historical events, including a terror attack on the premises.
2. Farewell Tributes: Women MPs from various political parties came together on Monday to bid a heartfelt farewell to the old Parliament building, sharing tributes and memories.
3. Leaders at the Helm: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar will lead the proceedings at the Central Hall as MPs prepare for the transition.
4. Special Kit: MPs entering the new Parliament building will receive a special kit. This kit is reported to contain a copy of the Constitution of India, a commemorative coin featuring the new Parliament, and a postage stamp.
5. Distinguished Guests: Special invitations have been extended to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and senior-most Rajya Sabha member Shibu Soren to speak and commemorate India’s rich parliamentary legacy.
6. Inauguration: The new Parliament building was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 28, 2023, with a religious ceremony that included a havan and a prayer encompassing various beliefs. After the rituals, PM Modi formally inaugurated the new building.
7. Advanced Amenities: The new facility, constructed in record time, boasts advanced amenities and provides a larger area compared to the old building, which dates back to 1927. The old building was considered insufficient in terms of space and lacked modern facilities for MPs.
8. Increased Capacity: The newly constructed Lok Sabha can now accommodate up to 888 members, a significant increase from the old building’s capacity of 543. Similarly, the Rajya Sabha’s new structure includes seating for 300 members, whereas the old building accommodated 250 MPs.
9. Historic ‘Sengol’: The ceremony also witnessed the installation of the historic ‘Sengol’ beside the Lok Sabha speaker’s chair in the new building, adding a touch of tradition to the modern surroundings.
10. Vision for India: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the nation on this momentous occasion, expressed hope that the new Parliament would witness the dawn of a self-reliant India and contribute to global development through India’s growth.

While this historic shift is marked by celebration, it is not without controversy, as some opposition parties chose to skip the inauguration, citing their preference for President Droupadi Murmu to inaugurate the new premises. Additionally, Lalu Yadav’s Rashtriya Janta Dal (RJD) made a controversial post on social media, likening the new Parliament building’s structure to a coffin.

As India moves into its new parliamentary home, the nation looks forward to the transformative potential of this state-of-the-art facility in shaping the future of Indian governance.