Narendra Modi unveils national emblem on Parliament building

New Delhi, July 11 (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday unveiled the national emblem cast on the roof of the new Parliament building here.

The inauguration of the emblem, which is made up of bronze with a total weight of 9,500 kg and is 6.5 metre in height, marks the first major milestone ahead of the new building's scheduled opening for later this year.

Authorities have maintained that Parliament's Winter session will be held there.

Officials said the emblem has been cast at the top of the central foyer of the new Parliament building, and a supporting structure of steel weighing around 6,500 kg has been constructed to support it.

The concept sketch and process of casting of the national emblem on the roof of the new Parliament building has gone through eight different stages of preparation from clay modelling and computer graphics to bronze casting and polishing, they said.

Modi was joined by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh and Urban Development Minister Hardeep Singh at the inauguration. He also attended a religious ceremony at the site.

The prime minister also interacted with workers involved in the building's construction and told them that they should feel proud of their work. They are making a very big contribution to the nation's pride, he said.

"I had a wonderful interaction with the Shramjeevis who have been involved in the making of Parliament. We are proud of their efforts and will always remember their contribution to our nation," he tweeted.

When a worker expressed joy at his visit to the site and likened it to Lord Ram's arrival at Shabri's hut, a reference to epic Ramayana, Modi said light-heartedly, "Wah, wah, this is your hut!" He then added that every poor person of the country should also feel that this is his hut. "You have said a very good thing," the prime minister said.

When he asked them if they feel that they are making a building or history, they said in a chorus, "History".

He also asked them about the difference they felt about being part of the construction of the Parliament building and working at some other projects. The group of workers said they felt proud of working at the new Parliament building.

Modi enquired about their well-being and if they have got themselves vaccinated against COVID-19.

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National emblem installation should not be linked to religious ceremony — Left parties

The Left parties hit out at the BJP-led Centre on Monday over a religious ceremony performed at an event to unveil a cast of the national emblem on the new Parliament building premises, saying such installations should not be linked to religion.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the national emblem cast on the roof of the new Parliament building on Monday. Officials said the emblem has been cast at the top of the central foyer of the new Parliament building and a supporting structure of steel, weighing around 6,500 kg, has been constructed to support it.

Modi was joined by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh and Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri at the inauguration.

The prime minister also attended a religious ceremony at the site.

"National Emblem installation should not be linked to religious ceremonies. It is everyone's emblem not those who have some religious beliefs. Keep religion separate from national functions," the CPI(M) said in a tweet.

In a statement, the Left party said: "The prime minister unveiling the national emblem on top of the new Parliament building is a clear violation of the Indian Constitution. The Constitution unambiguously separates the three wings of our democracy -- the Executive (government), the Legislature (Parliament and the state assemblies) and the Judiciary.

"President summons the Parliament. Prime Minister is the head of the Executive. The Legislature has its independent role to perform, amongst others, to legislate laws, keep the Executive accountable and answerable. This Constitutional separation of powers between the three wings is being subverted by the head of the Executive."

"Furthermore, the prime minister performed a puja on the occasion. The Constitution of India gives the right and protection to all Indians to practise and profess their faith. This is an inalienable right. At the same time, the Constitution of India clearly stipulates that the State does not profess or practise any faith or religion," it added.

The politburo of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) called upon the prime minister and the Union government to scrupulously implement the solemn oath they took while assuming office to protect and uphold the Constitution.

Communist Party of India (CPI) general secretary D Raja said Parliament belongs to everyone and wondered "how a private, personal event" was organised there.

"Also, Parliament is neutral. Why bring religious functions into it?" he asked.