PM Modi slams Congress for keeping symbol of power transfer by British as a museum ‘walking stick’

Addressing a group of adheenams (heads of Hindu monasteries) who had flown from various Shaivite matths of Tamil Nadu ahead of Sunday’s inauguration of the new Parliament building, Modi, who received a Sengol, among others, said, “It would have been good if the Sengol would have been given its due respect after Independence. But the holy spectre was kept on display as a walking stick in Anand Bhawan, Prayagraj. Your ‘sevak’ and our government have brought it out.”

On Friday, the Congress had said that there is no documentary evidence that Lord Mountbatten, C Rajagopalachari and Jawaharlal Nehru had described the ‘Sengol’ as a symbol of transfer of power from the British to India.

On Saturday, Modi said questions on the symbol of power transfer arose at the time of Independence. “At the time, under the guidance of Adheenam and Raja-ji (Rajagopalachari), we found a blessed path from our sacred ancient Tamil Culture — the path of transfer of power through the medium of Sengol.” Sengol, he said, reminded the person carrying it that he is responsible for the country’s welfare.

#WATCH | Delhi | Ahead of the inauguration ceremony of #NewParliamentBuilding, PM Narendra Modi meets the Adheenams at his residence and takes their blessings. The Adheenams handover the #Sengol to the Prime Minister. pic.twitter.com/0eEaJUAX58

— ANI (@ANI) May 27, 2023

In 1947, Modi noted, Thiruvavaduthurai Adheenam created a special Sengol. “Today, pictures from that era are reminding us about the deep emotional bond between Tamil culture and India’s destiny as a modern democracy. Today, this saga has come alive from the pages of history,” he said.

“We have the opportunity to revive the first moment of Independence during the establishment of the Sengol in the new Parliament House,” he said. “The Sengol is getting its deserved place in the temple of democracy.”

Highlighting the role of Tamil people in the freedom struggle, Modi said the state has been a bastion of nationalism and the people have always had a “spirit of service and welfare of Maa Bharathi”, but that contribution was not given “due recognition” after Independence.

#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, “I am delighted that the symbol of India’s great tradition, #Sengol will be installed in the #NewParliamentBuilding. This Sengol will keep reminding us that we have to walk on the path of duty and remain answerable to the public.” pic.twitter.com/EWVvG1xBl0

— ANI (@ANI) May 27, 2023

The Sengol sceptre, measuring five feet in length, is made from silver and gold. The government says it was handed over to Nehru by Lord Mountbatten on August 14, 1947, symbolising transfer of power.

Underlining that India’s strength depends on its unity, Modi also warned about those who “create obstacles in the way of the nation’s progress” and pose challenges. “Those who hinder India’s progress, they will try to break our unity. But I am sure we will face every challenge with spirituality and social strength that the country is getting from your institutions,” he said, in what is being seen as a reference to some opposition parties’ decision to boycott the inauguration of the new Parliament building on Sunday.