Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who recently returned to Delhi after a three-nation visit, indirectly criticized the opposition for their decision to boycott the inauguration of the new Parliament building. During a speech, PM Modi highlighted his community event in Sydney, Australia, where both the current and former Prime Ministers, along with MPs from the ruling party and the opposition, came together for the sake of their nation.
PM Modi also addressed the opposition’s criticism of the government’s decision to export COVID-19 vaccines during the peak of the pandemic. He emphasized India’s compassion and care for all, stating that the country is inspired by figures like Buddha and Gandhi, who advocated for love and kindness towards all, even enemies.
The inauguration of the new Parliament building is scheduled for Sunday, but it will witness minimal representation from the opposition. Around 20 parties have announced their decision to boycott the event. In a joint statement, the opposition parties condemned PM Modi for excluding President Draupadi Murmu from the inauguration, considering it a grave insult and a direct assault on democracy. They accused the Prime Minister of undermining the spirit of inclusion by sidelining the nation’s first woman Adivasi President.
The opposition further criticized PM Modi for his alleged undemocratic actions, claiming that he has undermined the functioning of Parliament and suppressed the voices of opposition MPs who raised concerns on behalf of the people. They argued that when the essence of democracy has been drained from the Parliament, the new building holds no value.
In response to the opposition’s boycott, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) described it as a blatant affront to democratic principles and constitutional values. The NDA criticized the opposition for their decision, emphasizing that it goes against the ethos of a diverse and inclusive nation.
The controversy surrounding the boycott has added to the ongoing political tensions between the ruling party and the opposition. As the inauguration approaches, the rift between the two sides seems to be deepening, with each accusing the other of undermining democratic norms and constitutional values. The event will go ahead without the presence of a significant opposition representation, while the opposition parties maintain their stance of protest against what they perceive as undemocratic actions by the government.
