Intensifying the row over the inauguration of the new Parliament building, a total of 19 Opposition parties led by the Congress on Wednesday declared that they will be boycotting the ceremony as it “violates the spirit of the Constitution”.
The parties have joined forces in voicing their objection to the inauguration of the building by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, asserting that the right belongs to the President as she is the highest Constitutional authority. On the other hand, soon after the 19 parties issued their statement, some regional parties came out in support of the BJP and said that they would attend the event.
Amid the tussle, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the inauguration of the new Parliament by PM Modi should not be linked with politics and said everyone reacts as per own capacity for reasoning.
Here’s a list of political parties attending the inauguration and those who are skipping it:
Who’s NOT attending?
- Congress
- DMK
- AAP
- Shiv Sena UBT
- Samajwadi Party
- CPI
- JMM
- Kerala Congress (Mani)
- RJD
- TMC
- JD(U)
- NCP
- CPI(M)
- RLD
- BJD
- YSRCP
- Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi
- Indian Muslim League
- National Conference
- Revolutionary Socialist Party
- Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam
In addition to the above mentioned parties who have signed the joint statement boycotting the opening ceremony, the AIMIM is also unlikely to attend. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi should not inaugurate this. If Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will not inaugurate the new Parliament building, then we (AIMIM) will not attend the ceremony,” AIMIM national president Asaduddin Owaisi was quoted as saying.
Who’s attending?
- BJP
- Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD)
- YSRCP
- Telugu Desam Party
“The inauguration of the new Parliament building is a matter of pride for the country, so we have decided that the SAD party will attend the inauguration ceremony on 28th May. We do not agree with the issues raised by opposition parties,” SAD leader Daljit Singh Cheema was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.
Meanwhile, Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Pralhad Joshi called upon the boycotting Opposition parties to reconsider their decision. “I once again appeal to them to reconsider their decision and kindly join in this historical function,” Joshi said.
The new Parliament building is slated to be inaugurated by PM Modi on May 28.
