On Sunday, India will inaugurate its new Parliament building, the main feature of a large-scale redevelopment of the capital’s government district. Despite this significant event, a boycott by at least 20 opposition parties is impacting the festivities. This act is symbolic of the bitter political rivalry that is anticipated ahead of the nation’s upcoming General Elections in 2021.
The new facility, costing $120 million, is the centerpiece of the Central Vista Project, an initiative developed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Transport prominent institutions out from their British colonial era structures. This project includes buildings for residences for the prime minister and vice president in addition to 10-blocks of buildings to house government agencies and departments.
The construction of the new Parliament has been part of a nationwide controversy, with opposition leaders feeling that building the new facility is a misusage of citizens’ money especially during a national economic downturn. They became further disgruntled with the project when it was approved without any public consultation. Despite the public protest, the government went forward with the building project and looks forward to officially opening it Sunday.
Narendra Modi is an Indian politician serving as the 14th and current Prime Minister of India since 2014. He was the chief minister of Gujarat from 2001 to 2014 and is the Member of Parliament for Varanasi. Modi’s administration has sought to enhance sanitation, roads, housing, reduce corruption, and make India a more business-friendly economy. He has also led initiatives such as Make in India, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, and Goods and Services Tax.
The Central Vista Project has been controversial among some Indian citizens since its announcement. The project is a mix of redevelopment and renovation of the roughly 90-year-old government quarter of New Delhi, and construction of a new Parliament building at the Rajpath area. It involves the construction of government buildings, transportation, housing, hospitality, and other services, often at the expense of green spaces and heritage sites. In addition, strict rules have been enforced by the government while executing the project, such as a ban on public protests and meetings.
Although the government is set to open the new Parliament building on Sunday, opposition from citizens is overshadowing the festivity. Many feel that during a national crises the money spent on this project can be used more effectively in combating issues such as unemployment and poverty. As the country awaits the General Elections next year, political parties and citizens will have to keep in mind the importance of understanding the needs of citizens while utilizing resources efficiently.
