New Delhi, Sep 23 – The Congress party has launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the architecture of the new Parliament building, alleging that it has had a detrimental effect on democracy and the exchange of ideas. In response, the BJP has vehemently defended the project, branding the criticism as a disgrace to the aspirations of India’s 140 crore citizens.
Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh took a dig at the new Parliament building, suggesting it be called the “Modi Multiplex or Modi Marriot.” He even hinted at a possible change of purpose for the building following the regime change in 2024.
Ramesh expressed his concerns, stating, “The new Parliament building, launched with much fanfare, appears to align perfectly with the Prime Minister’s objectives. If architecture can stifle democracy, the PM seems to have succeeded without rewriting the Constitution.”
In response, BJP President J.P. Nadda condemned the Congress’s stance, describing it as a “pathetic mindset” and an affront to the dreams of millions of Indians. He also reminded that the Congress had a history of being anti-Parliament, referring to the infamous events of 1975.
Joining the BJP’s counterargument, Union Minister Giriraj Singh called for a reassessment and rationalization of “dynastic dens” across India, suggesting that the complex at 1, Safdarjung Road be returned to the Government of India for the Prime Minister’s Museum.
Ramesh further criticized the new Parliament building’s design, remarking that binoculars were needed for communication due to the lack of coziness and compactness in the halls. He argued that the old Parliament building fostered conversations and easy movement between the Houses and corridors, whereas the new structure hindered the necessary collaboration to run Parliament effectively.
The Congress leader pointed out that quick coordination between the two Houses had become overly cumbersome in the new building, describing it as almost claustrophobic and lamenting the loss of the joy of simply being in Parliament.
Ramesh also highlighted concerns from Secretariat staff, asserting that the new building’s design had not considered the various functionalities required for their work, attributing this oversight to the absence of consultations with the building’s eventual users.
The new Parliament building became operational on September 19 during a special session held on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, which also saw the unanimous passage of the women’s reservation bill.
