'Sengol, a 'Raj-Dand', must be removed from Parliament': SP MP's remark triggers row; BJP reacts
- In Reports
- 09:09 PM, Jun 27, 2024
- Myind Staff
Samajwadi Party (SP) MP RK Chaudhary has sparked controversy by demanding the removal of the sacred 'Sengol' from the Lok Sabha, prompting reactions from both the Opposition and BJP leaders. Claiming it to be a 'Raja Ka danda' (the king's stick) or an anachronistic symbol of monarchy in a democracy, Chaudhary suggested that the Sengol should be replaced by a large replica of the Constitution in the Parliament.
The SP MP from Uttar Pradesh's Mohanlalganj accused the BJP-led central government of establishing a 'monarchy' by installing the Sengol in the new Parliament. He questioned whether the country would be governed by the 'Raja ka danda' or the Constitution.
"The Constitution is the symbol of democracy. In its previous tenure, the BJP government under the leadership of PM Modi installed the 'Sengol' in Parliament. 'Sengol' means 'Raj-Dand'. It also means 'Raja ka Danda'. After ending the princely order, the country became independent. Will the country be run by 'Raja ka danda' or the Constitution? I demand that Sengol be removed from Parliament to save the Constitution," Chaudhary was quoted.
The SP leader's comments drew reactions from leaders across party lines. While leaders from the INDIA bloc supported the move, the BJP-led NDA criticised Chaudhary for demeaning Tamil culture.
BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla questioned the SP's stance, asking why Jawaharlal Nehru accepted the Sengol if it resembled the 'Raja ka Dand.' “The Samajwadi Party has opposed the Sengol in Parliament, claiming it is the 'Raja ka Dand'. If it was 'Raja ka Dand', why did Jawaharlal Nehru accept the Sengol? This shows the mindset of the Samajwadi Party. First, they attack and abuse the Ramcharitmanas, and now they oppose the Sengol, which is a part of Indian and Tamil culture,” said BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla.
The BJP leader further challenged the INDIA bloc's ally DMK, asking if they support the insult to Tamil culture and the Sengol. "Does DMK support this kind of insult to the Sengol? They must clarify. The mindset to reduce the Sengol to a walking stick for decades has once again come in the form of the Samajwadi Party. They do not respect Indian culture, they do not respect Tamil culture, and therefore they are again insulting the Sengol. The DMK must take a stand on this," he added.
SP chief Akhilesh Yadav defended Chaudhary, suggesting that the remark might be a reminder for the Prime Minister. "When the Sengol was installed, the PM bowed before it. He might have forgotten this while taking the oath. Maybe our MP's remark was to remind him of that," Yadav said.
Congress MP Manickam Tagore also supported Chaudhary's demand, criticising the government for creating high drama during the Parliament inauguration. "This is a good suggestion from our Samajwadi Party colleague," said Tagore.
Meanwhile, Union Minister Chirag Paswan expressed confusion over Chaudhary's controversial approach, questioning whether he was elected for development or to engage in such divisive politics. Paswan highlighted that symbols like the Sengol, which had been disrespected for decades, are now being honoured by the Prime Minister. He also questioned why Opposition leaders couldn't adopt a more positive political approach.
RJD leader Manoj Jha also supported the move, stating that the PM has exhibited the behaviour of kings, so it is better to install a replica of the Constitution. "The PM has the conduct of kings - jewellery, dresses, Mangalsutra, Mujra. It is better to put the replica of the Constitution. It will run the country," he said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi installed the sacred 'Sengol', a historical scepter with roots in Tamil Nadu, in the Lok Sabha chamber, right next to the Speaker's chair during the inauguration of the new Parliament building in May last year. PM Modi was handed the historic 'Sengol' by high priests of various adherents or maths in Tamil Nadu before its installment in the new building. Modi decided to adopt the Sengol as a national symbol of the Amrit Kaal.
This is the same Sengol that was accepted by the first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, at his residence on the night of August 14, in the presence of several leaders.
Image Source: The Economic Times
Comments