Culture Clash: Amit Shah questions Congress' disregard for Indian traditions and Sengol controversy
In a series of tweets, Shah expressed his concerns about the Congress party's apparent disdain for Indian traditions and culture.
New Delhi, May 26: Union Home Minister Amit Shah has criticized the Congress party, questioning their stance on Indian traditions and culture. He highlighted the controversy surrounding the "Sengol" given to former Prime Minister Pandit Nehru, which was subsequently relegated to a museum as a mere "walking stick."
In a series of tweets, Shah expressed his concerns about the Congress party's apparent disdain for Indian traditions and culture. He referred to the sacred Sengol bestowed upon Pandit Nehru by a revered Saivite Mutt from Tamil Nadu, which was meant to symbolize India's freedom. Shah questioned why the Congress party chose to disregard its significance and relegate it to a museum.
The controversy emerged after at least 21 opposition parties decided to boycott Prime Minister Narendra Modi presiding over the inauguration ceremony instead of President Droupadi Murmu. The opposition argued that the decision to exclude the President from the event insulted the high office and violated the spirit of the Constitution.
The new Parliament building is set to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on May 28.
Also Read: New Parliament building: Know all about historic 'Sengol' to be placed near Speaker's seat
Thiruvavaduthurai Adheenam rejects Congress' claims on Sengol as symbol of power transfer
The Thiruvavaduthurai Adheenam has expressed its disagreement with the Congress party's assertion that there is no documented evidence of the Sengol being recognised as the symbol of power transfer from Britain to India in 1947. In an official statement, the Adheenam described attempts to downplay the significance of the Sengol for political purposes as disheartening and unfortunate.
Responding to Congress leader Jairam Ramesh's statement questioning the documented evidence of Lord Mountbatten, C Rajagopalachari, and Jawaharlal Nehru associating the Sengol with the transfer of power, the Adheenam argued that dismissing such historical events as bogus or false undermines their credibility.
The Adheenam emphasized that multiple sources, including their own records, provide well-documented proof of their participation in the ceremonial ritual marking the transfer of power. They maintained that raising doubts about their credibility was unwarranted.
Additionally, the Adheenam criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his supporters for allegedly exploiting the ceremonial sceptre for their political agenda in Tamil Nadu.
The Thiruvavaduthurai Adheenam's response serves as a counterpoint to the Congress party's claims, highlighting the significance of the Sengol in the historical context of India's power transition.