Who Should Inaugurate New Parliament Building, PM Or President?

The inauguration of the new Parliament building sparked controversy across all the political parties. Know who should inaugurate the New Parliament Building!

The inauguration of the new Parliament building on May 28 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has ignited a political controversy, stirring debates among various political parties in India. 

This article has all the rules, laws & history to answer – who should inaugurate the New Parliament Building!

Objections By Congress & Other Opposition Parties

The Congress and other opposition parties have raised objections to the inauguration of the new Parliament building in India. 

They criticize the selection of May 28 as the inauguration date, which coincides with the birth anniversary of VD Savarkar, a prominent freedom fighter of India. The Congress views this as an insult to the country’s founding fathers. 

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge also accuses the government of disrespecting propriety by not inviting the President and former President to the ceremony. 

Other opposition parties have joined in criticizing the government’s actions, highlighting their concerns over self-image and norms. The opposition plans to discuss their stance further in an upcoming meeting.

History of PM, Parliament & Congress

Congress party leaders are opposing the inauguration of the new parliament building by PM Modi, claiming it is disrespectful not to involve the President. 

However, historical records show that former Prime Ministers from the Congress party, including Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, have previously inaugurated different sections of the parliament complex. 

Indira Gandhi had inaugurated the Parliament Annexe on October 24, 1975, and PM Rajiv Gandhi had laid the foundation of the Parliament Library on August 15, 1987.

It is ironic that Congress leaders are objecting to a practice they themselves have engaged in. As per the Indian Constitution, the Prime Minister is the appropriate authority to inaugurate the new parliament building.

Statements By Ruling Party BJP

The statements made by BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia and Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri highlight the hypocrisy and baseless objections of the Congress party and other opposition parties. 

Gaurav Bhatia called the Congress “useless” and dismissed their objections to the inauguration of the new parliament building on a specific date, stating that they are inconsequential. 

Hardeep Singh Puri criticized the Congress for shifting their criticism from the project itself to questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s role in the inauguration. 

Puri emphasized that the Congress lacks a sense of national spirit and pride in India’s progress. He called on the Congress to join in celebrating the creation of an important asset for the country instead of indulging in partisan polemics and spreading falsehoods. 

The statements imply that the objections raised by the Congress and other opposition parties are unfounded and driven by their own political agenda rather than genuine concerns.

Who Should Inaugurate New Parliament Building?

According to the Constitution of India, the Prime Minister is the head of the government and leads the Parliament on behalf of the government. 

While the President is the head of state but not a member of either House of Parliament. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the Prime Minister to inaugurate the new building as the leader of the government. 

Thus PM Modi, the current Prime Minister of India should inaugurate the New Parliament Building. 

India’s New Parliament Building

The new Parliament of India has been constructed as part of the government’s Central Vista redevelopment project. It is located next to the existing Parliament House. 

The new building is the second project of the Central Vista to be inaugurated, following the opening of the revamped Kartavya Path (previously known as Rajpath).

The new Parliament building is designed to provide comfortable seating for 888 members in the Lok Sabha chamber and 300 members in the Rajya Sabha chamber. In the event of a joint sitting of both Houses, the Lok Sabha chamber can accommodate up to 1,280 members.

The new Parliament of India is a part of a redevelopment project and can accommodate a large number of members from the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, including during joint sessions.