Special Session: Parliament Holds Historic Discussion on 75-year Journey
The central government has commenced a 5-day special session of Parliament, with the meeting starting yesterday. The session, which kicked off in the old Parliament building on the first day, will now convene in the new Parliament building from today onwards. As part of this series, the central government had announced that a discussion would be held on the momentous 75-year journey of the Parliament.
During yesterday’s session in the Lok Sabha, Prime Minister Modi delivered a speech to initiate the discussion on the Parliament’s 75-year journey. Reflecting upon the historical significance of the building, he revealed, “Today is the day to connect us with the past. We bid farewell to this building with historical memories. Before independence, the building was known as the Imperial Legislature. After independence, it was called Parliament.”
The Prime Minister further emphasized the contributions of the Indian people in the construction of the Parliament, stating, “This building may have been built by foreign rulers. But it was built by sweat, hard work, and money of Indians. I adore every brick here.” He recounted inspirational moments that transpired within the old parliament building, such as Pandit Nehru’s midnight address after independence and the tragic deaths of Nehru, Lal Bahadur Shastri, and Indira Gandhi during their tenure as Prime Minister.
Moreover, the Prime Minister acknowledged instances of assault on democracy, particularly during the Emergency era. However, he also highlighted the people’s resilient fight for democracy, saying, “Through this assembly, the people used their voting power to bring back democracy.”
The Prime Minister also recalled significant milestones achieved within the Parliament, including the creation of Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Uttarakhand during former Prime Minister Vajpayee’s tenure, which were celebrated throughout India. In contrast, he criticized the partitioning of Telangana during Congress rule, which led to bitterness and bloodshed. The building also witnessed the vote bribery scandal and supported the liberation of Bangladesh.
The Prime Minister underscored that several long-standing issues were resolved within the Parliament, such as the abolition of Article 370 and the implementation of GST. He acknowledged the 10 percent reservation for weaker sections and other measures aimed at promoting inclusivity and development. He also recognized the role of the more than 7,500 MPs who have served in both houses since the pre-independence era and expressed the intention to dedicate the last day of the heritage building to honor them.
Shifting focus to international matters, the Prime Minister celebrated the successful hosting of the G-20 summit, emphasizing that the achievement belonged to all 140 crore Indians. He stated, “India has established its place in the world. Accepted as a friend of the world. The entire world sees India as a friend.” He attributed this recognition to the nation’s mantra of “Embrace All and Growth for All,” which has helped unite the world.
Concluding his address, the Prime Minister expressed his anticipation for the new parliament building, stating, “Tomorrow we can enter the new parliament building. However, the old building will continue to inspire generations to come. Saying goodbye to an old building is a very emotional moment. Let us enter the new building with new hope.”
As the special session progresses, it is anticipated that the Parliament will engage in crucial debates on various bills, including the Chief Election Commissioners, Election Commissioners Appointment Bill, Advocates Act Amendment Bill, and Post Office Act Amendment Bill. The session is set to pave the way for important legislative decisions that will shape the future of the nation.