Unveiling of New National Emblem Cast, ‘Lion Capital of Asoka’ Draws Flak From Opposition

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s disclosure of the national emblem cast on top of the new Parliament building on Monday has drawn flak from opposition leaders and other prominent individuals.

Criticising the expressions of the four lions of the national emblem cast, leaders of several political parties have alleged that the Narendra Modi led-BJP government has violated the Constitution by changing the mould of the four lions.

They also objected to the unveiling of the national emblem cast on three counts. While PM Modi violated the Constitution by unveiling it, secularism was also hurt as he offered prayers according to the Hindu rituals and no opposition leader was invited to the event.

Comparing the expression of the four lions in the national emblem cast atop the new Parliament building to the original ones at the ‘Lion Capital of Asoka’ at Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh, the individuals have claimed that the original lions of the look sobre and peace-loving while those in the cast are aggressive.

Vinay Kumar Dokania, national coordinator of social media of the Congress took to Twitter saying, “Shantipriya se aadamkhor tak (from peace-loving to man-eating). The magnificent, peace-loving, calm and glorious lion now looks angry, cruel, threatening and violent in its new look, almost replicating the hate mongering Ranga Billa and their 8 yrs of treacherous rule… Can we question why the Modi government distorted our #NationalEmblem?”

Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra also posted two pictures of the old and the new cast sets, showing comparision of both without any comments.

“Insult to our national symbol, the majestic Ashokan Lions. Original is on the left, graceful, regally confident. The one on the right is Modi’s version, put above the new Parliament building — snarling, unnecessarily aggressive and disproportionate. Shame! Change it immediately!” said another TMC MP Jawhar Sircar said.

Supreme Court lawyer Prashant Bhushan came down heavily on the BJP government saying, “From Gandhi to Godse; from our national emblem with lions sitting majestically and peacefully; to the new national emblem unveiled for the top of the new Parliament building under construction at Central Vista; angry lions with bared fangs. This is Modi’s new India!”

The Narendra Modi government, however has justified the new national emblem cast saying that it was done after research and a well-laid procedure.