According to sources, India's new Parliament building is likely to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the last week of May to mark nine years of BJP governance.
PM Modi had taken the oath of office nine years ago on May 26, 2014.
The four-storey building, built at an estimated cost of INR 970 crore, can house 1,224 MPs, officials said. It also has a grand Constitution hall to showcase India's democratic heritage, dining areas and ample parking space.
In March, the PM, accompanied by Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla, paid a visit to the site and interacted with the construction workers and the officials, sources added.
“The need was felt for a new Parliament building for years. 21st century India needs a new Parliament complex. The old building fulfilled the needs of the country, the new Parliament building will fulfill the country’s aspirations,” the prime minister said.
The new complex is a 64,500 square metre structure, and part of the INR 20,000 crore Central Vista project.
The staff in both the Houses will adorn a new uniform – which has been designed by the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT).
The new structure has three doors – Gyan Dwar, Shakti Dwar, and Karma Dwar, and separate entries for MPs, VIPs and visitors, officials said.
The foundation stone of the new Parliament building was laid by PM Modi in December 2020.
To mark nine years of Narendra Modi-led government, the BJP has planned a massive month-long "special contact campaign" across the country, covering all Lok Sabha constituencies.
PM Modi will launch the campaign with a huge rally on May 30, BJP sources said, adding that a second rally of the PM will be held the next day, May 31. 51 rallies of senior BJP leaders have been planned across the country.
Public meetings will be held in 396 Lok Sabha seats. BJP's Chief Ministers, Leaders of the Opposition in states, MPs, and MLAs will also be invited to these rallies and public meetings.
