Inaugural ceremony of new parliament building made a ‘mockery’ of the Constitution, says Vishwanath

A.H. Vishwanath, MLC, alleged that the recently held inaugural ceremony of the new Parliament building had made a “mockery of the Constitution”.

A.H. Vishwanath, MLC, alleged that the recently held inaugural ceremony of the new Parliament building had made a “mockery of the Constitution”.

Instead of Ashoka Chakra, which is our national emblem, Prime Minister Narendra consecrated the “sengol”, a religious symbol, in the new Parliament building, delivering a blow to the secular values enshrined in the Constitution, Mr. Vishwanth, who is also a former MP, told reporters in Mysuru on Friday, June 2.

The consecration of the “sengol” in the new Parliament building, accompanied by rituals, symbolized “purohithashahi” or rule of the priestly classes, thereby, threatening democracy, he said.

“The parliament is the soul of the country. How can a religious symbol be established in the parliament house,” he questioned.

Mr. Vishwanath came down heavily on the Prime Minister for “excluding” President Draupadi Murmu from the event and said it was an insult to the President, who is also the Commander In-Chief of the three defence forces – army, navy and air force.

He also pointed out that there was no mention of the author of Indian Constitution Dr. B.R. Ambedkar on the occasion.

He questioned whether the ceremony was to mark the inauguration of a new Parliament building or was it a “coronation” of Mr. Modi.