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New Parliament Building Inauguration Row Live Updates: Stay tuned to get all the latest, fastest, and most accurate LIVE updates on the ongoing tussle between the opposition and PM Modi-led Centre.
Background
Hello and welcome to ABP Live for all the latest information and tracking the latest development LIVE on the opening of New Parliament Building by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 28. The story so far is that as many as 19 political parties, including the Congress, Left, TMC, SP, and AAP, declared on May 24 their decision to boycott the upcoming inauguration of the new Parliament building by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The boycott comes as the opposition parties believe that the "soul of democracy has been sucked out" and see no value in celebrating a new building.
In a joint statement, the opposition parties expressed their acknowledgment of the momentousness of the occasion but stated, "despite our belief that the government is threatening democracy, and our disapproval of the autocratic manner in which the new Parliament was built, we were open to sinking our differences and marking this occasion."
The inauguration of the new Parliament building, scheduled for May 28, follows an invitation extended by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to Prime Minister Modi.
The opposition parties, including the Congress, Trinamool Congress, DMK, Janata Dal (United), AAP, CPI-M, CPI, SP, NCP, SS (UBT), RJD, IUML, JMM, NC, KC (M), RSP, VCK, MDMK, and RLD, pledged to continue their fight against the "authoritarian" prime minister and his government. They intend to take their message directly to the people of India.
While the BSP has yet to clarify its stance, BSP MP Danish Ali emphasized the need for opposition unity. The Shiromani Akali Dal, on the other hand, confirmed its attendance at the new Parliament inauguration function.
The TDP, BJD, AIADMK, and YSRCP have not yet made their positions clear but are expected to be present at the inauguration. BRS stated that it will announce its decision separately.
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi declared that his party would not attend if Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla does not inaugurate the new Parliament building.
The opposition's decision to boycott the event comes amid an ongoing war of words between the government and the opposition. The opposition has been demanding that the president should inaugurate the new Parliament building instead of the prime minister.
When asked about the opposition's decision, Home Minister Amit Shah refrained from commenting directly, stating that the government had extended invitations to all political parties, and each party would respond according to their wisdom. He emphasized that the installation of 'Sengol,' a historical sceptre from Tamil Nadu symbolizing the transfer of power from the British, should not be politicized.
Meanwhile, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi expressed disappointment over the opposition's move and urged them to reconsider, stating, "Boycotting and making an issue out of a non-issue is most unfortunate. I appeal to them to reconsider their decision and join the function."
It is worth noting that the opposition parties had previously boycotted the ceremony to lay the foundation stone of the building in December 2020, citing concerns about the timing amid farmer protests, the COVID-19 pandemic, and economic distress caused by the lockdown.
The grand opening of the new Parliament building is expected to be marked by hymn chanting, a "havan" ritual, and a "puja" ceremony. The rituals will commence in the morning, with the main program scheduled for the afternoon.
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