PM lays stone of new Parliament, says differences fine in democracy

New Delhi, December 10

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today emphasised the new Parliament building would be a witness to the making of an ‘atmanirbhar’ (self-reliant) Bharat, just as the existing Parliament provided direction to the country post-Independence.

“It is a historic day… a milestone in India’s democratic history,” PM Modi said, addressing a gathering after laying the stone for the 64,500 sq m building to be built at a cost of Rs 971 crore by 2022.

Congress questions rationale for new building

New Delhi: The Congress questioned the rationale behind constructing a new parliament building, especially at a time of farmers’ agitation and Covid-19 pandemic. Party spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said, “History will record that when farmers were fighting for their rights, you were building yourself a palace.” TNS

His remarks came around the time when there is criticism from a section of the Opposition over spending of resources on a new building when the country was battling an economic downturn.

Modi asserted that democracy in India had always been a means of resolving differences along with governance. “Our democracy has moved forward with the goal that there is always a room for differences…. Different views and different perspectives empower a democracy,” he said.

Referring to traditions in India much before the 13th century Magna Carta document, he said the day was not far when the world would call India the “mother of democracy”. The PM quoted Guru Nanak Dev to underscore the importance of dialogue and noted that the Guru had said that interaction should continue till eternity. — TNS