Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has urged opposition parties to reconsider their decision to boycott the inauguration of the new Parliament building, scheduled for Sunday. Sitharaman emphasized the importance of respecting the temple of democracy and highlighted the significance of participating in the event for the sake of the people. She pointed out that the boycotting parties should separate their personal feelings towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi from their duty to uphold democratic values.
Sitharaman also mentioned that 20 heads of monasteries from Tamil Nadu, known as aadeenams, have been invited to the inauguration. As part of the ceremony, the Sengol, a symbol of governance in Tamil kingdoms, will be installed near the Speaker’s seat. She highlighted the historical context of the Sengol, mentioning that it was handed over to India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, by Lord Mountbatten as a symbol of the transfer of power in 1947.
The boycott decision was made by 21 political parties, including Tamil Nadu’s ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, due to their dissatisfaction with Modi presiding over the ceremony instead of President Droupadi Murmu. The parties referred to Modi’s decision as an “assault on democracy” in a joint statement. Subsequently, two more parties, the Bharat Rashtra Samithi and the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen, also announced their intention to skip the event.
Responding to allegations that the Union government disrespected the President, Sitharaman expressed her surprise and emphasized that the President is given the respect she deserves. She noted that the parties now portraying the President as an eminent leader had previously launched a bitter campaign against her, using derogatory language and doubting her capabilities.
In her statement, Sitharaman highlighted the need for unity and respect for democratic institutions, urging the boycotting parties to reconsider their decision and participate in the inauguration for the sake of the people.
