'I Support Their Decision': Sharad Pawar On Opposition Skipping New Parliament Inauguration

NCP Chief said: "After it was completed, we demanded that the use of the new Parliament commence in the presence of the President, but it didn't happen."

Sharad Pawar, the President of the Nationalist Congress Party, justified the opposition's decision of not attending the unveiling of the new Parliament building, citing that the Members of Parliament were not taken into confidence.

Although Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to officially unviel the new Parliament building on May 28th, approximately 20 opposing political parties have chosen to boycott the event, arguing that it is the duty of President Droupadi Murmu to conduct the ceremonial inauguration.

Speaking with reporters, NCP Chief stated: "I have been a Member of Parliament for years. We used to sit in the House but we got to know about the construction of New Parliament Building through newspapers. While taking such an important decision, the Members should have been spoken to, but that didn't happen."

The opposition has put forth the argument that President Murmu is the appropriate person to perform the duties as she holds the position of Head of State and also plays a vital role in Parliament through her ability to summon, prorogue, and address the institution.

Showing his support for the opposition, NCP Chief said: "After it was completed, we demanded that the use of the new Parliament commence in the presence of the President, but it didn't happen. The inauguration should have been done by the President but they didn't agree to it. Therefore, some senior leaders in the Opposition have decided that we should not go to the programme and I support their decision." 

New Parliament Building

According to the government, the newly constructed Parliament building showcases India's rich and varied culture, with elements such as Mirzapur carpets from Uttar Pradesh, Tripura bamboo flooring, and Rajasthan stone carvings. According to the government, 'Sengol', an ancient sceptre from Tamil Nadu, which was given to first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru as a symbol of power transfer from the British, and was previously exhibited in a museum in Allahabad, will now be positioned close to the Lok Sabha Speaker's chair in the House chamber.