Smriti Irani slams Gandhi family for neglecting ‘Sengol’, as ‘stick of Nehruji’

In her statement to the media, she expressed her disappointment, highlighting that the symbol of freedom, known as ‘Sengol,’ was neglected by the Gandhi family and kept in a dim corner of a museum, referred to as a mere ‘stick of Nehruji.’

“I would like to ask every Indian, putting ‘Sengol’ like this and referring to it as a walking stick doesn’t show what the Gandhi family thinks of countries history and democracy. So, the Gandhi family provoking like-minded people for not attending the inauguration of the new Parliament building doesn’t surprise us,” Ms Irani said further.

As reported by ANI, Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief K Annamalai on Friday said why it was marked as a “walking stick” in the museum.

“The Adheenam has spoken in the true spirit of what exactly happened in 1947. Congress has to clarify why Sengol was marked as a walking stick in the museum,” Annamalai told ANI.

Earlier, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri criticized Opposition parties, specifically the Congress party, stating that their boycott of the new Parliament building inauguration also implies opposition towards former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.

On May 28, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will dedicate the new Parliament building to the country. As a symbol of the transfer of power from the British to India, the historic ‘Sengol’ will be preserved as a legacy within the new Parliament building.

Prime Minister Modi made the decision to adopt the Sengol as a national symbol of the Amrit Kaal (Era of Freedom). The inauguration ceremony at the new Parliament building will witness the reenactment of the momentous event, with priests performing the ritual and presenting the Sengol to the Prime Minister.

The same Sengol that symbolized India’s independence in 1947 will be prominently displayed in the Lok Sabha, near the Speaker’s podium. It will be visible to the nation and showcased during special occasions.

Notably, 21 opposition parties have chosen to boycott the Prime Minister’s decision to preside over the inauguration ceremony instead of President Droupadi Murmu.

Updated: 27 May 2023, 11:27 AM IST