War Of Words Over Sengol Escalate As Inauguration Of New Parliament Nears

Union Home Minister Amit Shah hit out at the Congress over its claim that there is no documented evidence of Lord Mountbatten, C Rajagopalachari and Jawaharlal Nehru describing the 'Sengol' as a symbol of the transfer of power by the British to India. Several BJP leaders too attacked the Congress and other Opposition parties for announcing that they would boycott the inauguration of the new Parliament building on Sunday.

"Why does the Congress party hate Indian traditions and culture so much? A sacred Sengol was given to Pandit Nehru by a holy Saivite Mutt from Tamil Nadu to symbolize India's freedom but it was banished to a museum as a 'walking stick',"Shah said in a tweet.

The Thiruvaduthurai Adheenam, a holy Saivite Mutt, itself spoke about the importance of the Sengol at the time of India's freedom, Shah also said.

In a series of tweets, BJP president, J P Nadda said, " what connects most parties which are boycotting the inauguration of the new Parliament building? The answer is simple- they are dynasty run political parties, whose monarchic methods are at loggerheads with the principles of republicanism and democracy in our Constitution."

Those parties which are boycotting the Parliament's inauguration lack any commitment to democracy because their sole aim is to perpetuate a select group of dynasties. Such an approach is an insult to the makers of our Constitution. These parties must introspect, he added.

Senior Congress leader, Jairam Ramesh hit back and said, " this is typical of this brigade that embroiders facts to suit its twisted objectives."

"There is no documented evidence whatsoever of Mountbatten, Rajaji and Nehru describing this sceptre as a symbol of transfer of British power to India. All claims to this effect are plain and simple -- bodgus," he also said.

"Wholly and completely manufactured in the minds of a few and dispersed into WhatsApp, and now to the drum-beaters in the media. Two of the finest Rajaji scholars with impeccable credentials have expressed surprise," Ramesh also added.

"Prime Minister Modi's decision to inaugurate the new parliament building by himself, completely sidelining President Murmu, is not only a grave insult but a direct assault on our democracy... This undignified act insults the high office of the President and violates the letter and spirit of the constitution. It undermines the spirit of inclusion which saw the nation celebrate its first woman Adivasi President," the Opposition had said in a joint statement.