Modi inaugurates new parliament
Flanked by priests, Hindu nationalist Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a new Indian parliament yesterday in a ceremony steeped in religious symbolism but boycotted by opposition parties.
The hexagonal new building -- shaped like a coffin, one opposition party said -- is centrepiece of a remodelling of the heart of New Delhi by Modi aimed at ridding the capital of vestiges of British colonial rule.
"India is not only a democratic nation but also the mother of democracy," Modi said.
"This is not just a building... this is the temple of democracy that gives the world a message of India's determination."
The unveiling was preceded by a multi-faith prayer ceremony and Modi later entered the chamber accompanied by a posse of chanting Hindu seers in saffron robes before installing a ceremonial sceptre.
He later re-entered the chamber to chants of "Modi Modi" by government lawmakers.
Nineteen opposition parties boycotted the event because Modi, and not Indian President Droupadi Murmu, was inaugurating the new chamber, calling it a "direct assault on our democracy".
Modi "has relentlessly hollowed out" parliament, with opposition lawmakers "disqualified, suspended and muted" and laws passed "with almost no debate", a statement by the parties said.
The new legislature building stands next to the ageing and cramped colonial-era parliament building.
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