India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently inaugurated the country’s new parliament building in New Delhi on January 3, 2022. The new building is part of a larger project to revamp the country’s legislative complex, which has been in use for over 100 years.
The new parliament building, which cost a staggering $2.7 billion, is designed to accommodate up to 1,200 lawmakers and is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including an automated parking system and a digital voting system. The building also features eco-friendly technology, such as solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems.
However, the inauguration was not without controversy. Several opposition parties, including the Congress and the Trinamool Congress, boycotted the event, citing concerns about the government’s handling of widespread protests against controversial agricultural laws and the Citizenship Amendment Act.
Modi addressed these concerns in his speech, stating that “differences of opinion are the beauty of democracy” and that the government is committed to addressing the concerns of farmers and other citizens. He also praised the new building as a symbol of a “new India” and a “modern democracy.”
The opposition’s boycott of the event highlights the ongoing tensions between Modi’s government and opposition parties, which have accused the government of stifling dissent and undermining democracy. The government’s recent crackdown on social media and other forms of communication has also drawn criticism from civil society organizations and human rights groups.
Despite the controversy, the inauguration of the new parliament building marks a significant milestone in India’s history. The building’s modern design and state-of-the-art facilities represent a step forward for the country’s democracy and its commitment to innovation and progress. However, it remains to be seen whether the government’s promises of addressing the concerns of its citizens will lead to real change and greater unity in the country.
