Tharoor criticises new Parliament building as lacking political intimacy

Congress Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor has voiced criticism of the new Parliament building, describing it as a 'soulless conference centre' that fails to capture the essential character of India's legislative chamber.

In his assessment, Tharoor pointed to what he characterised as a deliberate distancing in the building's design and layout. This architectural separation, he suggested, functions as a physical manifestation of the deepening polarisation within contemporary Indian politics.

The MP's remarks highlight broader concerns among parliamentary observers about whether the modern structure adequately serves the democratic discourse and collegial interaction historically associated with legislative proceedings. The new Parliament building, inaugurated in 2023, represents a significant departure from the original colonial-era structure that housed lawmakers for generations.

Tharoor's criticism adds to ongoing discussions about the functional and symbolic role of parliamentary architecture in facilitating democratic engagement. His comments reflect concerns that newer institutional designs may inadvertently reinforce political divisions rather than foster the cross-party dialogue traditionally considered essential to parliamentary function.

The Congress leader's observations underscore the debate within political circles about how physical spaces influence political culture and the quality of legislative deliberation in India.