The upcoming inauguration of the new parliament in India has become a topic of controversy, as several political parties announced their boycott of the event. However, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) have declared their decision to attend the ceremony.
In a letter issued by BJD spokesperson Lenin Mohanty, the party emphasized its belief that the parliament, as a symbol of democracy, should transcend politics, and its authority and stature must be safeguarded. The party stated that constitutional institutions should rise above any issue that may compromise their sanctity and honor, suggesting that such matters can be addressed within the parliament itself. The BJD currently holds 12 seats in the Lok Sabha (Lower House) and eight seats in the Rajya Sabha (Upper House).
The letter further emphasized that the president of India represents the Indian state, while the parliament symbolizes the 1.4 billion people of the country. It argued that both institutions derive their authority from the Indian constitution. The inauguration of the new parliament is scheduled to take place on Sunday.
In contrast, 19 opposition parties, including the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), jointly announced their boycott of the event. They described the inauguration as a “grave insult” and a “direct assault” on democracy. The opposition parties criticized the absence of President Draupadi Murmu during the unveiling, which they considered an insult to the nation.
The BJD’s decision to attend the inauguration comes just two weeks after Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. Patnaik had discussed expediting work on the Jagannath International Airport, and he later reaffirmed his party’s policy of contesting elections independently.
This move suggests that the BJD is unlikely to change its stance of maintaining equidistance from both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress before the 2024 general and assembly elections.
Additionally, the YSRCP has confirmed its attendance at the event. The central government recently approved the largest-ever tranche of funds for Andhra Pradesh since its bifurcation in 2014. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has generally shown subtle support for the Centre’s policies, aligning with the opposition only in select cases.
Union Minister Prahlad Joshi expressed disappointment over the opposition’s decision to boycott the event, stating that it was an unfortunate move. He urged the opposition parties to reconsider their decision and participate in the historical function.
While parties like the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), YSRCP, and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) have confirmed their attendance, others such as the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) are expected to be present.
On the other hand, parties including the Congress, AAP, DMK, Shiv Sena (UBT), Samajwadi Party (SP), Communist Party of India, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD), Trinamool Congress (TMC), Janata Dal (United), Nationalist Congress Party, Communist Party of India (Marxist), Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), and others have announced their boycott.
The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) is anticipated to make its decision on attendance on Thursday.
