Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has raised serious concerns regarding the relocation of statues of prominent national leaders within the Parliament House complex. In a letter addressed to the Chairman of Rajya Sabha, Jagdeep Dhankhar, Mr. Kharge demanded that the statues of Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, and other national leaders be returned to their original locations.
In his letter, Mr. Kharge emphasized the historical and emotional significance of each statue and its specific location within the complex. He argued that these decisions were made arbitrarily, without proper consultation or deliberation with relevant stakeholders, which he claimed violates the fundamental spirit of democracy and the established rules and traditions of Parliament.
“Each statue and its location across the Parliament House complex held immense value and significance,” Mr. Kharge wrote. He expressed his discontent over the lack of proper discussion and deliberation with the relevant stakeholders before making such decisions. According to him, this approach goes against the rules and traditions that should govern the functioning of Parliament.
In response to these allegations, the Lok Sabha Secretariat issued a statement denying any relocation of the statues. The Secretariat clarified that the statues of great leaders have not been removed from the Parliament House complex. Instead, they asserted that the statues are being installed systematically and respectfully inside the complex.
The Lok Sabha Secretariat’s statement aimed to address the concerns raised by Mr. Kharge, emphasizing that the respect and honor of these statues and what they represent remain intact. The Secretariat underscored that the installation process is being carried out with due respect to the legacy and contributions of these leaders.
The issue has sparked a significant debate, highlighting the sensitivity surrounding the preservation of historical artifacts and the symbolism associated with their locations. The Parliament House complex, being a symbol of India’s democratic heritage, houses statues that represent the values and principles upheld by the nation’s foremost leaders.
As the discussion continues, many await further developments and potential resolutions that align with the traditions of consultation and respect within the parliamentary framework.
