New Delhi: In a joint letter on Wednesday, 19 Opposition parties announced to boycott inauguration ceremony of the new Parliament building on May 28 as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision to dedicate the infrastructure by himself “completely sidelining” President Draupadi Murmu, said the signatories.
“When soul of democracy has been sucked out from Parliament, we find no value in new building,” read the joint statement.
Lashing out at the Narendra Modi-led central government, the Opposition parties said, “However, 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 which demands a commensurate response.”
19 opposition parties issue a joint statement to boycott the inauguration of the new Parliament building on 28th May, saying "When the soul of democracy has been sucked out from the Parliament, we find no value in a new building." pic.twitter.com/7p7lk9CNqq
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The Opposition believes that the Parliament cannot function without the President and the ‘undignified act’ of inaugurating the building PM Modi and not the head of the state, 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,” added the letter.
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New Parliament Building Row: Those Who Signed
Regional parties that are prominent in their areas such as Shiv Sena (UBT), DMK, Samajwadi Party, Kerala Congress, Rashtriya Lok Dal among others signed the letter.
Meanwhile, Congress, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Trinamool Congress (TMC) had already announced boycotting the inauguration ceremony on Tuesday. However, they have also signed the letter.
