NEW DELHI (AP) — MPs (Members of Parliament) sat in the last session before moving to a new Parliament building and even the opposition parties responded to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call Monday that saw him lauding India’s parliamentary history and the recently concluded Group of 20 summit.
Major opposition parties in May boycotted the inauguration of the new Parliament, calling it extravagant, in a rare show of unity against Modi’s Hindu nationalist ruling party, which has ruled for nine years and is seeking a third term in next year’s elections.
The new triangular-shaped building was built at an estimated cost of $120 million. It’s part of a $2.8 billion revamp of British-era offices and residences in central New Delhi that will also include blocks of buildings for government ministries and departments, and Modi’s new private residence. The entire project, called the “Central Vista,” is spread over 3.2 kilometers (1.9 miles).
The lawmakers will move into the new building on Tuesday, Speaker Om Birla said.
