With a rich architectural legacy and a profound influence on India's destiny spanning nearly a century, the historic old Parliament House stands as a symbol of unparalleled significance. Originally inaugurated by Lord Irwin, the Viceroy at the time, on January 18, 1927, this remarkable edifice has borne witness to countless momentous occasions. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares to inaugurate and dedicate the new Parliament House to the nation on May 28, the old Parliament House gracefully relinquishes its esteemed 96-year-old status as the sacred abode of the country's legislature.
Esteemed as India's revered temple of democracy, the old Parliament House holds within its walls the echoes of British imperial rule, permeated by the resounding blasts of bombs thrown by freedom fighters Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt. This hallowed structure witnessed the birth of independence, and it had the privilege of hosting the historic "Tryst with Destiny" speech delivered by the country's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, on August 15, 1947.
Adorned with 144 pillars of red sandstone on its first floor, the circular Old Parliament House exemplifies magnificent architecture. Amidst the grandeur of New Delhi's Raisina Hill area, this building was inaugurated with great pomp and circumstance as the new imperial capital of the British Raj took shape. Historical records and rare photographs reveal a grand ceremony held on January 18, 1927, to mark the inauguration of this splendid structure, known then as the "Council House."
A century ago, while the nation-building process was still in its nascent stages, and with independence a distant 26 years away, the Duke of Connaught, representing Britain, laid the foundation stone of the Parliament House on February 12, 1921. He envisioned this edifice as a "rebirth center of India," where the nation would forge an even greater destiny. Designed by Sir Herbert Baker, succeeded by Sir Edwin Lutyens, this imposing structure became an integral part of the new imperial capital in the Raisina Hill area.
According to the book "New Delhi - Making of a Capital," Lord Irwin arrived in a carriage at the "Great Place" (now Vijay Chowk) and unlocked the doors of the "Council House" using a golden key presented to him by Sir Herbert Baker. Just as in the present time, media attention surrounds the impending inauguration of the new Parliament House, the opening ceremony of the old campus had also captivated both domestic and international headlines.
However, the inauguration of the new campus has been marred by controversy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid its foundation stone in December 2020, but the country's 20 opposition parties have chosen to boycott the opening ceremony, citing a perceived lack of justification for constructing a new building at a time when "the very soul of democracy has been taken out."
Amidst the dissent, questions have been raised by the Congress and other opposition parties regarding the absence of an invitation to President Draupadi Murmu, the constitutional head of the nation, for the inauguration of the new Parliament building. The new complex boasts a grand Constitution Hall, showcasing India's democratic heritage, along with parliamentarians' chambers, a library, committee rooms, dining areas, and ample parking spaces. The budget session held in April marked the final parliamentary session within the old building, which has been an eyewitness to numerous significant events throughout history.
Within its hallowed halls, the old Parliament House has hosted intellectual debates alongside raucous and tumultuous discussions. It has been witness to the passage of both pivotal and contentious bills, offering a glimpse into the evolution of India's political landscape.
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