'Hell-Bent On Insulting Integral Part Of Indian Culture': SP Leader's 'Remove Sengol' Call Draws BJP Flak

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday slammed the Samajwadi Party and other opposition leaders who called for the removal of “Sengol” from Parliament, rejecting the view that the traditional sceptre symbolises monarchy.

This row began after Samajwadi MP RK Chaudhary demanded the removal of “Sengol” from the Lok Sabha, calling it anachronistic symbol of monarchy in a democratic country. Derived from the Tamil word “semmai” meaning righteousness, the sceptre is described in an official document as a significant historical symbol of Independence, signifying the transfer of power from the British to Indians. It is five feet in length and has a Nandi, Lord Shiva’s sacred bull.

‘Again hell-bent on insulting…’

Chaudhary earlier said the “Sengol” should be replaced by a replica of the Constitution. He even submitted a letter to pro-tem Speaker Bhartruhari Mahtab, questioning the presence of “sengol” next to the Speaker’s chair. “Today, I took oath in this honourable chamber that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of India as by law established,” he had said.

In a strong response, BJP Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said, “Tell me that the party which is a symbol of nepotism is again hell-bent on insulting such an integral part of Indian culture, Tamil culture. If it was a symbol of monarchy then why did the first Prime Minister Nehru accept it, was he accepting that symbol and monarchy.”

Union Minister Chirag Paswan also weighed in on the controversy. He said, “It is beyond my understanding that the people of your area have chosen you for development work or to come here and do such controversial politics. The way such symbols have been tried to be shown in the wrong light for so many decades, today when they are given due respect by our Prime Minister, why are you offended by all these things? Why can’t these opposition leaders think of positive politics?”

Meanwhile, Congress MP Manickam Tagore, said, “The government has always been playing with this kind of thing, by placing Sengol. Making a high drama when the new Parliament was inaugurated. This is a good suggestion from the Samajwadi Party colleague.” DMK’s TKS Elangovan told CNN-News18 that “We agree with SP that Sengol should be removed. Sengol is a symbol of monarchy, and the constitution is a symbol of democracy.”

President Droupadi Murmu arrived in the Lok Sabha on Thursday accompanied by the “Sengol” to address the joint sitting of Parliament and unveil the priorities of the newly-elected government. She reached Parliament in a procession from Rashtrapati Bhawan, escorted by horse-mounted presidential bodyguards. She was later escorted to the Lower House chamber with the ‘Sengol’ in the lead.

#WATCH | President Droupadi Murmu arrives at the Lok Sabha to address a joint session of both Houses of Parliament.

According to Article 87 of the Constitution, the President is required to address a joint session of Parliament at the beginning of the session after each Lok Sabha election. The President also addresses a joint sitting of both Houses in the first session of the Parliament every year. The government outlines its programmes and policies through the President’s address.