LIVE | PM Modi honours 'Shramiks' who contributed to building the new Parliament

After the inauguration of the new Parliament building, PM Modi chairs a key meet at the party Headquarters.

Renowned author Amish Tripathi said that he is 'delighted' with the Narendra Modi government's decision to install the Sengol in the new Parliament on May 28. "Communities are built around symbols. Many things that we Indians ourselves don't know is (that) how much of the symbology around Delhi is actually built on British colonial rule," the author said.

"Something as simple as why the Rajya Sabha seat colours are red and Lok Sabha's are green is based on the British Parliament. I am not suggesting we change the colours but we ourselves may not be aware how much of our symbology of our national capital is built on the colonial rule and we must Indianise it and we must bring our own symbol," he added. "The Parliament must be connected to our ancient civilisational symbols. I am delighted that that has happened," Amish further said. 

PM Narendra Modi has reached the BJP headquarters in New Delhi where he is expected to interact with senior party leaders after inaugurating the new Parliament building. 

"Today, as we inaugurate the new building of our Parliament, we honour the Shramiks for their tireless dedication and craftsmanship," PM Narendra Modi tweeted as he gifted them mementos during the inauguration ceremony. 

Taking his Twitter, PM Modi said, "Delighted to see Sengol being recognized at the inauguration of the new building of the Indian Parliament. Its august presence illustrates how heritage and progress merge beautifully, giving us added inspiration to fulfil people’s aspirations." He also lauded "Shramiks" who contributed to creating the Parliament building. "Today, as we inaugurate the new building of our Parliament, we honour the Shramiks for their tireless dedication and craftsmanship," he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacts with several leaders after concluding his speech in Lok Sabha in the new Parliament.

"'Nation First' is a slogan that should be in the mind of every Indian, and we have to move forward with the same thought... We have 25 years of 'Amrit Kaal Khand', together we have to make India a developed nation in this period... Every decision taken in this Parliament will decide the fate of all sections of society; laws made here will help remove poverty," PM Modi.

"This building is equipped with modern facilities and equipped with the latest gadgets. It has given employment to over 60,000 labourers. We have created a digital gallery to honour their hard work," PM Modi

"From panchayat bhawan to Sansad Bhawan, our inspiration is the development of our country and its people. Today, as we are proud of the construction of this new Parliament, it also gives me immense satisfaction when I think about the construction of homes for 4 crore poor people and 11 crore toilets in the country in the last 9 years. When we talk about modern facilities in the new Parliament, I feel content we have constructed over 4 lakh kilometres of roads to connect villages in the country," PM Modi said in the new Parliament.

"Several years of foreign rule stole our pride from us. Today, India has left behind that colonial mindset. New India believes in change, development, progress and hard work," PM Modi

PM Modi said, "The old parliament building had challenges like the seating arrangement and technology. Hence there was a need for new Parliament... In future when the number of MPs increases, where would they sit? Therefore, the new Parliament building was the need of the hour."

"India is not only a democratic nation but is also the mother of democracy. It is also the foundation of global democracy. Democracy is our 'Sanskaar', an idea & tradition," PM Modi said.

In the new Parliament House, PM Modi said, "This new building, will become a means of realising the dreams of our freedom fighters. This new building will witness the sunrise of a self-reliant India. This new building will see the fulfilment of the resolutions of a developed India. This new building is also a perfect example of the coexistence of the new and the old."

"When India develops, the world progresses.  This new Parliament building will give a call for the development of world as well. 'Sengol' was the symbol of power transfer from the British; we have given due respect to it... Sengol is a symbol of the Kartavya Path from the Chola Dynasty. Today it has been installed in the new Parliament. I bow down before Adheenams who brought Sengol," PM Modi said.

"This is not just a complex but a symbol of aspirations of 140 crore Indians, it is the temple of democracy... New Parliament complex will witness the realisation of our 'developed India' resolution," PM Modi said.

In the new Parliament House, PM Modi said, "In the development journey of every country, some moments come which become immortal. 28th May is such a day. Amrit Mahotsav is being celebrated this year, in which the people of India have given the gift of this new building of the Parliament to their democracy."

On the occasion of the inauguration of the new Parliament, PM Modi releases commemorative Rs 75 coin and postal stamp. 

Addressing the delegates during the inauguration of the new Parliament building, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said, "The entire nation is witnessing this moment today. I express my gratitude towards PM Modi under whose leadership this new Parliament was built in under 2.5 years. I thank all the Shramyogis who contributed to creating the Parliament building."

Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Singh read a message from President Droupadi Murmu during the inauguration of the new Parliament building. "It is a moment of pride and happiness. The inauguration of the new Parliament building is happening at the time of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. It will strengthen our democracy. I am happy that PM Modi is inaugurating the new Parliament building," Singh read President's message.

Reading out Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar's message, RS Dy-Chairman said, "The new Parliament reflects the idea of  Aatmanirbhar Bharat."

"It is a matter of immense happiness that a new modern Parliament was constructed in less than 2.5 years under the leadership of PM Modi... This day is an important milestone as it will prove to be a source of inspiration in the Amritkaal," RS Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh said.

Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh addressed the delegates present at the inauguration ceremony at the new Parliament. 

Delegates have arrived at the new Parliament building for the inaugural ceremony. Union Ministers, Chief Ministers, former President Ram Nath Kovid, former Union Ministers, MPs, and Armed Forces chiefs are present at the New Parliament House.

"I feel very proud to participate in the inauguration ceremony of the new Parliament building. PM Modi has always stood proudly with the Tamil culture and Tamil people. Modi ji is the first PM who invited Tamil Adheenams and proudly encourages the Tamil culture in the Parliament," Sri Harihara Desika Swamigal, the 293rd head priest of Madurai Adheenam. 

"As the new building of India’s Parliament is inaugurated, our hearts and minds are filled with pride, hope and promise. May this iconic building be a cradle of empowerment, igniting dreams and nurturing them into reality. May it propel our great nation to new heights of progress," PM Modi tweeted.

The Rashtriya Janata Dal has sparked controversy by comparing the new Parliament with a "coffin". The party's official Twitter handle shared images showing the new Parliament building and a coffin side-by-side with a caption- "What is this?" 

"The coffin in our tweet is a representation of democracy being buried. The country will not accept this. Parliament is the temple of democracy and it is the place to have discussions," RJD leader Shakti Singh Yadav on his party comparing the new Parliament with a coffin

Slamming the RJD party, BJP MP Sushil Modi said, "A case of treason should be registered against such people who have compared the new Parliament building with a coffin." BJp's Dushyant Gautam also lambasted the Lalu Yadav party, saying, "This is very unfortunate. Today they are comparing it with a coffin, were they comparing the old Parliament with 'zero'? We were earlier sitting in zero."

Religious leaders who were part of a multi-faith prayer meeting held during the inauguration ceremony of the new Parliament held the new building and said that everyone should work unitedly for the country's growth.

"It is a very good thing that the new Parliament has been built. I keep myself away from politics, the only thing I can say is that everyone should work unitedly for the growth of the country," said Sikh Guru Balbir Singh who took part in the multi-faith prayers at the inauguration of the new Parliament building.

Jain priest Acharya Dr Lokesh Muni who was also part of the prayer meeting said, "We witnessed a historic moment when the 'Dharma Dand' was installed in the new Parliament today."

Sikh religious leader Jasbeer Kaur said, "The new Parliament building represents change and it is a historic moment for us. Every Indian should stay united."

"Today, we have given the message of unity in diversity," said Jewish Rabbi Ezekiel Isaac Malekar who participated in the prayers at the inauguration of the new Parliament building.

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath has lauded the installation of the sacred 'Sengol' installation at the new Parliament. "The sacred 'Sengol' is a symbol of India's justice, fairness, sovereignty and strength. The establishment of holy 'Sengol' with Vedic chanting in the new Parliament House today by respected Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi ji is a consolidated expression of respect and faith of all countrymen towards India's cultural heritage and excellent democratic values. Adding a new golden chapter in the history of Indian democracy, this national work will further enhance the spirit of 'Ek Bharat-Shreshtha Bharat' in the golden age of independence," he said.

Speaking about the wrestlers' protest, Delhi Police Special CP Deepender Pathak said, "We will not allow anything to disrupt the inauguration of the new Parliament building. The entire Delhi Police is on its toes to make sure the inauguration ceremony is conducted smoothly."

Notably, Security has been tightened near Delhi's border area as Khap panchayat leaders and farmers call to join the protesting wrestlers' march to the new parliament house in Delhi today.

Phase one of the new Parliament inauguration ceremony has concluded with Prime Minister Narendra Modi placing the sacred "Sengol" inside the new building. Dressed in traditional attire, the PM walked into the Parliament premises from its Gate No. 1 and was welcomed by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.

Amid Vedic chants by priests from Karnataka's Shringeri Math, the prime minister performed "Ganapati Homam" to invoke Gods to bless the inauguration of the new Parliament building.

The prime minister prostrated before the "Sengol" and sought blessings from high priests of various Adheenams in Tamil Nadu with the holy sceptre in hand. The PM then carried the "Sengol" in a procession amid tunes of "nadaswaram" and chanting of Vedic mantras to the new Parliament building and installed it in a special enclosure on the right side of the Speaker's chair in the Lok Sabha chamber.

Union ministers Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah, S Jaishankar and Jitendra Singh, chief ministers of several states and BJP president JP Nadda were present on the occasion.

The Prime Minister felicitated some workers who played key roles in the construction of the new Parliament building.

Taking to his Twitter, BJP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Mahesh Jethamalani said, "Our new Parliament building is a beacon of our democracy. It reflects our glorious heritage and announces the vibrant aspirations for our future."

Premium hand-knotted carpets weaved laboriously by as many as 900 artisans from Uttar Pradesh for a whopping "10 lakh man-hours" will adorn the floors of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha in the new Parliament building. Obeetee Carpets, the over-100-year-old Indian company behind the project, said weavers crafted more than 150 carpets each for Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha "before stitching them into a single carpet in the form of a semi-circle to sync with the architecture of each of the Houses spread across 35,000 square feet of area".

BJP Tamil Nadu chief K Annamalai called the installation of sacred 'Sengol' in the new Parliament a "historic moment". "Blessed by the Saiva Adheenams from TN, our Hon PM Thiru Narendra Modi installs the Sengol where it truly belongs," he tweeted.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla have inaugurated the new Parliament building on Sunday. Following this, PM Modi honoured the Shramjeevis who contributed to making the new building. Union ministers Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah, S Jaishankar and Jitendra Singh, chief ministers of several states and BJP president J P Nadda were present on the occasion.

PM Modi along with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Cabinet ministers attends a 'Sarva-dharma' prayer ceremony being held at the new Parliament building. Twelve religious leaders from different faiths perform prayers at the new Parliament building. 

Watch the new Parliament inauguration ceremony LIVE on Republic:

After receiving the sacred and historical 'Sengol' from Adheenams, Prime Minister Modi placed the sceptre in the new Parliament building.

PM Modi handed over the historic 'Sengol' by Adheenams before its installed in the new Parliament building.

PM Modi along with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla participates in grand Puja and Havan ahead of the inauguration.

PM Modi arrived at the new Parliament building. He is accompanied by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla

"It is a proud moment for all of us today that after independence, the world's oldest & largest democracy is getting a new parliament that is made in the country," Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said ahead of the new Parliament house inauguration.

The PM is expected to arrive at the new Parliament shortly, and the ceremony will begin with a grand Puja and Havan which will continue for about an hour. After the Puja, the PM will receive the 'Sengol' and install it in the new Parliament.

Early morning visuals of the New Parliament building ahead of the inauguration:

List of Parties attending the event:

List of Parties skipping the event:

The security has been beefed up at Jantar Mantar and on Delhi’s borders ahead of a farmers’ meeting in support of the protesting wrestlers on Sunday, police said. Multi-layer barricades have been placed on the city’s borders and checking has been intensified. 

Here’s all you need to know about the new Parliament building:

Triangular in shape: The triangular shape of the new Parliament building is going to replace the old marvellous building with a circular design. According to the project’s official site, the triangular shape is meant to ensure optimum space utilisation.

Bigger in size: While the old Parliament could seat 543 members in the Lok Sabha and 250 in the Rajya Sabha, the new Parliament building can accommodate 888 members in the lower house and 384 members in the upper house of Parliament. 

National symbols: The new complex will have larger legislative chambers, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. The new Lok Sabha Chamber is designed in the likeness of India's National Bird, the Peacock, while the newly-built Rajya Sabha chamber has similarities to the National Flower, the Lotus.

National Tree: The complex building also features a central lounge to complement the open courtyard and is meant for members to interact. The open courtyard has the ‘Banyan tree’, the national tree. 

New addition in Parliament: In addition to the two legislative chambers, the new complex will host a ‘Constitutional Hall’ in the centre which will have offices. 

Divyang-friendly: In order to promote inclusivity, the new Parliament complex is ‘divyang-friendly’. 

Who designed it: The new Parliament building was designed by the Gujarat-based architect, Bimal Patel. He is a leading name in the field of architecture and is behind some iconic structures. Patel was also behind the design of the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor. 

Cost of new Parliament building: The new complex was completed at a cost of over Rs 830 crore and has been built in an area of 64,500 square metres.

Sengol in new Parliament: The historically important Sengol from Tamil Nadu, which was received by India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru symbolising the transfer of power from the British, will be installed in the new Parliament building. It will be kept in the Lok Sabha near the chair of the Speaker. 

Speaking hours before the inauguration of the new Parliament building, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said, "Our parliament is the temple of our democracy. There was a time when Rahul Gandhi tore the ordinance by our government, our PM in front of the public & undermined our democracy. The opposition parties have always undermined democracy. I want to thank the PM for strengthening the democratic institutions. The opposition must rethink their decision and participate in this (ceremony)."

Adheenam Seers who arrived in Delhi from Chennai to attend the new Parliament inauguration, called the event important for the nation. "Today is a very important day for India as the new Parliament building will be inaugurated today. The 'Sengol' will be installed near the Speaker's chair. The PM honoured all the Adheenams yesterday," a junior priest of Vellakuruchi Adheenam from Tamil Nadu said on Sunday. Notably, the Adheenams from different mutts across Tamil Nadu have left for the new Parliament building to attend the inauguration ceremony.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday received the sacred 'Sengol' from the 293rd head priest of Madurai Adheenam Sri Harihara Desika Swamigal. The Sengol is a significant historical symbol of the 'transfer of power between the Britishers and India, and it was then handed over to India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. The Sengol will be placed close to the chair of the Lok Sabha Speaker after the inauguration of the New Parliament Building on March 28, Sunday. (Read full story)

The opening of the new Parliament building will be followed by several rituals which PM Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker OM Birla, Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha Hariwansh, and some senior Ministers will attend. The sacred Sengol will also be installed in the Lok Sabha chamber near the Speaker's chair after some rituals. Sources have said that a prayer ceremony has also been organised that will be held inside the new parliament premises. After the completion of Puja, the dignitaries are likely to take a tour of the new Parliament.

The inauguration of the multi-hundred crore New Parliament Building will be conducted in two phases, providing lawmakers with a momentous experience. The morning phase will commence with a majestic puja and the installation of the revered Sengol, concluding around 9:30 am. Subsequently, the second leg of the ceremony is scheduled to commence at noon, starting with the rendition of the national anthem in the esteemed presence of dignitaries, including Prime Minister Modi, within the Lok Sabha chamber.

A congratulatory speech by Deputy Rajya Sabha Chairman is also scheduled, which will be read out on behalf of Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankar. Also, a written message by President Dropadi Murmu will be read out on the occasion. As per the ANI report, the day will proceed with the display of two short audio-video films to the dignitaries present to talk about the process of construction of the new parliament building and its significance, followed by a speech by Om Birla.

On the inauguration day, PM Modi will also release a coin and stamp on the historic occasion and will also address the lawmakers, following which a thanks-giving speech will be given by the Secretary-General of the Lok Sabha. 

The New Parliament is to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi today. At the inauguration of the New Parliament House, he will establish the historical and sacred "Sengol" in the Parliament House. PM Modi and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will lead the inauguration ceremony of the new Parliament building on Sunday.