- Monday, May 05, 2025
By: Shubham Ghosh
THE Narendra Modi government came under a strong criticism from India’s Left parties on Monday (11) over a religious ceremony which was held at an event to unveil a cast of the National Emblem on the new Parliament building premises, saying such installations should not have a religious connection.
Prime minister Modi unveiled the case on the roof of the new Parliament building during the day.
Officials said the emblem has been cast at the top of the central foyer of the new building and a supporting structure made of steel, weighing around 6,500 kilograms, has been built to support it.
Modi was joined by Om Birla, the speaker of the Lok Sabha or the Lower House of the Indian Parliament; Harivansh Narayan Singh, deputy chairman of the Rajya Sabha or Upper House and Indian housing and urban affairs minister Hardeep Singh Puri at the inauguration.
The prime minister, who tweeted a video of him unveiling the cast, also took part in a religious ceremony at the site.
This morning, I had the honour of unveiling the National Emblem cast on the roof of the new Parliament. pic.twitter.com/T49dOLRRg1
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 11, 2022
“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,” India’s Communist Party (Marxist) 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 central 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 the 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.
