WATCH | PM Modi Receives Sengol From Adheenams Ahead of New Parliament Building Inauguration

New Delhi: In a significant development preceding the inauguration of the new Parliament building, the revered Adheenams from Chennai arrived in Delhi and presented the historic Sengol to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The handover ceremony took place on Saturday at the Prime Minister’s residence, where PM Modi sought their blessings.

The Sengol, originating from the Chola empire, holds great symbolic value as a representation of power transfer and will be installed in the Lok Sabha chamber of the new Parliament on Sunday morning.

With its roots in the illustrious Chola empire, the Sengol has long been regarded as a symbol of authority transitioning from one ruler to another. Adorned with a Nandi carving, symbolizing justice, this revered artefact has played a crucial role in resolving dilemmas surrounding power transfer. Notably, when India gained independence from the British in 1947, the Sengol played a pivotal role in symbolizing this historic transition.

The Sengol became a subject of intense debate between political parties, primarily the BJP and Congress. The Congress party, disputing the golden sceptre’s significance as a symbol of power transfer from the British to the Indians, referred to it as a mere walking stick. Responding to these assertions, Union Minister Smriti Irani highlighted the Congress party’s stance as indicative of their perception of democracy.

The inauguration of the new Parliament building, scheduled for Sunday, is expected to witness the participation of 25 political parties. However, 20 opposition parties have decided to boycott the event due to their dissatisfaction with PM Modi leading the unveiling instead of President Droupadi Murmu. Notwithstanding the controversy, PM Modi will honour the Adheenam priests and the skilled artisans from Vummidi Bangaru Jewellers, who crafted the Sengol, during the inauguration ceremony on May 28.