With the impending inauguration of the new Parliament building complex on May 28 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the suspense surrounding the event continues to escalate. Nineteen opposition parties, including Congress, AAP, TMC, DMK, and SP, have declared their boycott of the ceremony. They oppose PM Modi inaugurating the premises and instead, demand President Droupadi Murmu perform the task. Invitations have been sent to Members of Parliament from both Houses, former Speakers of Lok Sabha, former Chairmen of Rajya Sabha, and Chief Ministers of all states. Special guests and artists are also being invited.
Amidst ongoing preparations for the grand ceremony and the persistent battle between the ruling party and the opposition, let’s delve into the details of the new temple of democracy. The modernized Parliament building is designed to reflect India’s symbols, with the Lok Sabha chamber themed around the national bird, the Peacock, and the Rajya Sabha chamber showcasing the national flower, the Lotus.
Unlike the circular design of the old building, the new structure adopts a triangular shape to maximize space utilization. The sprawling complex spans an area of 65,000 square meters and features separate chambers for the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. The Lower House can accommodate 888 members, while the Upper House can house 382 members.
In contrast to the previous practice of joint sittings in the Central Hall, the new Parliament will conduct such sessions in the Lok Sabha chamber, where up to 1,282 members can gather. The existing century-old building suffers from limited space and outdated facilities, posing challenges for MPs. Safety concerns arise due to old electrical wiring, which could potentially lead to fire hazards. Additionally, the building lacks modern communication systems. Another crucial factor behind the construction of the new complex is the possibility of increasing the number of Lok Sabha seats after 2026, following delimitation, as the current restriction on seat expansion will be lifted.
As the controversy surrounding the event persists, the nation eagerly awaits the unveiling of the new Parliament building complex, symbolizing a significant milestone in India’s democratic journey.