India’s new parliament will be the centre of country’s parliamentary discourse from the second half of 2023. Here are some moments back in time from older parliament's premise, which inspired the vast populace of world’s largest democracy.
On the eve of India’s freedom from the British in 1947, the country’s first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru delivered the speech that transcended Indian history. Till date, it’s regarded as one of the most consequential moments in India’s journey as a parliamentary democracy.
India’s chief constitution-maker Dr BR Ambedkar, in one of his most iconic speeches of all time, described the ‘Grammar of Anarchy’ in November 1949. Ambedkar called for use of constitutional means to achieve country’s social and economic objectives.
After Bangladesh won freedom from Pakistan by India’s support in 1971, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi said in Lok Sabha: “All nations who value the human spirit will recognise Bangladesh’s freedom as a significant milestone in man’s quest for liberty.”
Referring to ancient Hindu text Mahabharata, BJP leader Sushma Swaraj while describing NDA's loss of power asked: “Mr. Speaker, when one Manthara and one Shakuni can keep the likes of Lord Rama and Yudishthir out of their right to rule, then if you take a look around this House you’ll find many Mantharas and many Shakunis opposing us, how can we stay in power?”
Conceding before India’s parliamentary might after losing power, former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee said in May 1996, "The governments will come and go. The political parties will emerge and dismantle. But this country should remain, this country’s democracy should remain eternal.”
In a stirring speech delivered after 2008 India-US nuclear deal, National Conference leader Omar Abdullah said: “I am a Muslim, and I am an Indian. I see no distinction between the two. I see no reason why I, as a Muslim, have to fear a deal between India and the USA. This is a deal between two countries. It is a deal between, we hope, two countries that in the future will be two equals.”
While India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi rose to popularity partly due to his prolific oratory, his act of bowing at the steps of the old parliament surprised many. It was widely described as a moment when a newly elected prime minister was venerating parliament.
Responding to AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi’s refusal to say ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ (Victory to Mother India), noted film personality Javed Akhtar said in March 2016: “He says he will not say Bharat Mata Ki Jai because the Constitution does not ask him to do so. The Constitution even does not ask him to wear sherwani (dress) and topi (cap). I don’t care to know whether saying Bharat Mata Ki Jai is my duty or not. It is my right,” Akhtar said and then chanted Bharat mata ki jai a number of times.