In a ceremony marked by Vedic rituals and the presence of Hindu priests, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the new parliament complex on Sunday. However, his choice to include only seers from the Hindu community drew criticism from opposition leaders. All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen chief Asaduddin Owaisi condemned the Prime Minister for excluding representatives of other religions, stating that as the leader of a diverse nation, Modi should have invited individuals from all faiths.
Owaisi’s comments were echoed by Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar, who expressed concern over the departure from the vision of India’s first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, and the emphasis on religious rituals during the inauguration. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh also took to social media to criticize the Prime Minister, accusing him of authoritarianism and disregard for parliamentary procedures.
The opposition leaders’ remarks reflect a larger debate over secularism and the role of religion in politics. While Modi’s choice to include Hindu priests for the ceremony aligns with his party’s ideology, critics argue that it excludes and alienates religious minorities, undermining the principles of inclusivity and equality. The controversy highlights the ongoing tensions between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and opposition parties on matters of religion and governance.
Tags: Narendra Modi, parliament complex, Vedic rituals, , Sharad Pawar, Jairam Ramesh, inauguration, Hindu priests, religious inclusivity, opposition criticism
