From Nehru’s speech to Vajpayee’s floor test: Historic moments witnessed by old Parliament building

As the Special Session kicks off today in the new Parliament building, let’s take a look at a few moments from the old Parliament building, which has witnessed several historical moments over the decades. (Express Archive)

September 18, 2023 15:07 IST

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As the Special Session kicks off today in the new Parliament building, let’s take a look at a few moments from the old Parliament building, which has witnessed several historical moments over the decades. (Express Archive)

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Former Prime Minster Jawaharlal Nehru addressed the midnight session of the Parliament on August 15, 1947. Nehru’s ‘Tryst with Destiny’ speech was delivered to the Indian Constituent Assembly just before midnight on August 15, 1947. It is considered to be one of the greatest speeches of the 20th century. (Express Archive)

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In this photo, Nehru is seen with Maulana Abul Kalam Azad during the Constituent assembly session as India became free on August 15, 1947. (Express Archive)

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Indira Gandhi, the fourth Prime Minister of India, was the country’s first – and, to date, only – female PM. She took oath as the PM on January 24, 1966, and was the second-longest serving PM so far. (Express Archive)

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This photo shows Indira Gandhi heading to the Budget Session of the Parliament in 1982. (Express Archive)

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Atal Bihari Vajpayee was sworn in as the Prime Minister of India in 1996, but he could not prove the majority on the floor of the House and had to resign after just 13 days in the top post. His speech in the Lok Sabha was a memorable one. (Express Archive)

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PM Manmohan Singh takes oath as a member of the Rajya Sabha in the presence of Vice-President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, UPA chief Sonia Gandhi, Union Ministers Vayalar Ravi, Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi and CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechuri at Parliament House, in 2004. (Express Archive)

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These bullet holes are a reminder of the day when terrorists of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) attacked the Parliament complex and opened fire, killing nine people in 2001. (Express Archive)

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PM Narendra Modi touches his forehead to the steps of Parliament Building as a sign of respect as he arrives for the BJP parliamentary party meeting in New Delhi on Tuesday. (Express Archive)