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Ahead of the inauguration of the new Parliament building, Adheenam seers from Tamil Nadu hand over Sengol to PM Modi
NEW DELHI: On the day, he received the historical sceptre symbolising the Chola dynasty’s transfer of power, Prime minister Narendra Modi took a dig at the Congress party, accusing them of disrespecting the Sengol and keeping it on “display like a walking stick”.
Speaking ahead of the inauguration of the new Parliament building, PM Modi expressed his joy at the installation of the Sengol in the upcoming parliamentary structure.
Adheenam seers, who had come all the way from Tamil Nadu, presented the revered Sengol to PM Modi at his official residence. PM Modi also sought their blessings and emphasised the significance of the historical artefact.
PM Modi lamented that the Sengol had not received its due respect after India gained independence and had been relegated to the status of a mere walking stick in Anand Bhawan.
“It would have been good if the holy Sengol would have been given its due respect after independence and given an honourable position. But this Sengol was kept on display as a walking stick in Anand Bhawan, Prayagraj. Your ‘sevak’ and our government have brought the Sengol out of Anand Bhawan,” PM Modi said.
However, PM Modi assured the seers that his government had taken steps to restore its dignity by bringing it out of Anand Bhawan.
“I am delighted that the symbol of India’s great tradition, Sengol will be installed in the new parliament building. This Sengol will keep reminding us that we have to walk on the path of duty and remain answerable to the public,” he stated further.
The Sengol will be placed near the chair of the Lok Sabha speaker inside the new Parliament building, symbolising its significance in the democratic process.
During the meeting, the Adheenams also presented other special gifts, accompanied by the chanting of sacred mantras.
The term Sengol derives from the Tamil word semmai, meaning righteousness. This historical sceptre holds great importance as it represents the transfer of power from the British to the Indian people during the struggle for independence.
According to an official document, the Adeenams handed over the Sengol to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on the eve of independence.
Nehru sought advice from C Rajagopalachari on an appropriate ceremony to symbolise the transfer of power. Rajagopalachari suggested drawing inspiration from the Chola dynasty’s tradition of transferring power, which involved the sanctification and blessings of high priests.
In the days leading up to the inauguration of the new parliament building, the Sengol became a point of contention between the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh earlier tweeted that there is no documented evidence to support claims that Lord Mountbatten, C Rajagopalachari, and Jawaharlal Nehru referred to the Sengol as a symbol of the British transferring power to India.
PM Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the new Parliament building on Sunday. However, this event is set to face a boycott from 20 opposition parties, including the Congress. These parties argue that the PM’s decision to solely inaugurate the building, sidelining President Droupadi Murmu, is not only an insult but also a direct attack on democracy.
Meanwhile, 25 parties, including non-National Democratic Alliance (NDA) members like the JD(S), BSP, and TDP, have opposed the boycott and are expected to attend the inauguration ceremony.
