West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s party Trinamool Congress (TMC) said that they would boycott the inauguration of the new parliament which is scheduled on May 28. This makes TMC the first opposition party to call for the boycott of the event.
TMC leader Derek O’Brien wrote on Twitter, “Parliament is not just a new building; it is an establishment with old traditions, values, precedents and rules – it is the foundation of Indian democracy. PM Modi doesn’t get that”
He continued, “For him, Sunday’s inauguration of the new building is all about I, ME, MYSELF. So count us out”
Earlier, Congress objected to PM Narendra Modi inaugurating the new parliament instead of President Draupadi Murmu. President of the Indian National Congress Mallikarjun Kharge tweeted, “It looks like the Modi Govt has ensured election of President of India from the Dalit and the Tribal communities only for electoral reasons. While Former President, Shri Kovind was not invited for the New Parliament foundation laying ceremony… “
He continued, “The President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu is not being invited for the inauguration of the new Parliament Building. The Parliament of India is the supreme legislative body of the Republic of India, and the President of India is its highest Constitutional authority.”
“She alone represents government, opposition, and every citizen alike. She is the First Citizen of India. Inauguration of the new Parliament building by her will symbolise Government’s commitment to Democratic values and Constitutional propriety. “
Kharge concluded, “The Modi Govt has repeatedly disrespected propriety. The Office of the President of India is reduced to tokenism under the BJP-RSS Government.”
