Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday paid tributes to “every brick” of the old Parliament building and said MPs will enter the new building with “new hope and confidence”. In his over an hour-long speech in the Lok Sabha, Modi remembered the journey of India’s democracy and said the last day in this heritage building should be dedicated to the over 7,500 parliamentarians who served in this building since Independence.
The Parliament will shift to the new building on the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi on Tuesday. “Today we have an opportunity to connect with the past. We are leaving this building with hope for the future. I am confident that as we enter the new Parliament building, we will go there with new hope and confidence,” the Prime Minister said.
“Today is the day for remembering the 7,500 MPs who have served here… I salute every brick of this building,” he said.
Highlighting the historical importance of the old Parliament building, PM Modi recalled that while the order for its construction was given by foreign rulers, it was constructed through the sweat, hard work and money of Indians. “Today, we are taking leave from this historic building. Before Independence, this was the Imperial Legislative Council and after Independence, it became the Parliament building,” he said.
G20 success is India’s success: PM Modi
NEW DELHI: “Today… you have unanimously appreciated the success of G20. I express my gratitude to you. The success of G20 success is that of 140 crore citizens of the country. It is India’s success (and) not that of an individual or a party. It is a matter for all of us to celebrate,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said.
“India will be proud the African Union became a member (of the G20) when it was President… I cannot forget the emotional moment when the announcement was made… (the) African Union President (Azali Assoumani, President of Comoros) said, ‘Perhaps I will break down while speaking’.” The Prime Minister also referred to the historic Delhi Declaration and said negotiating the joint communique from G20 leaders underlined India’s strength and standing in the world.
The Delhi Declaration was seen as nearly impossible till hours before it was announced due to complexities arising from Russia’s war on Ukraine and the West’s stance on the conflict.