In a positive development for the government, the inauguration of the new Parliament building by Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be attended by 25 political parties, including seven non-NDA parties. This gesture is a morale booster for the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
However, 20 Opposition parties have decided to boycott the event, citing their belief that the new building holds no significance when the “essence of democracy has been diminished.” The Opposition parties argue that PM Narendra Modi’s decision to inaugurate the building without involving President Droupadi Murmu is a grave insult to democracy.
The seven non-NDA parties attending the event are the BSP, Shiromani Akali Dal, Janata Dal (Secular), Lok Janshakti Party, YSR Congress, BJD, and TDP. Although these parties account for 50 MPs in the Lok Sabha, their presence is expected to help the NDA counter the Opposition’s allegations that the inauguration is centered around personal interests rather than national welfare.
Former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, the leader of JD(S), expressed his intention to attend the ceremony, emphasizing that the new building was constructed using taxpayers’ money and should not be considered a BJP or RSS office.
BSP leader Mayawati criticized the Opposition parties’ decision to boycott the inauguration, deeming it unfair. However, she would not be able to attend due to prior commitments. Alongside the BJP, 18 NDA members, including Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), National People’s Party, Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party, and others, will also be present.
On the other hand, the 20 Opposition parties, including Congress, Trinamool Congress, DMK, Janata Dal (United), and Aam Aadmi Party, have opted to boycott the event. They assert that PM Modi’s exclusion of President Droupadi Murmu from the inauguration is disrespectful and an attack on democracy. In a joint statement, the Opposition parties declared their intention to continue their fight against the “authoritarian” Prime Minister and his government.