In a recent Twitter outburst, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor voiced his criticism against the Indian government for allegedly not extending an invitation to President Droupadi Murmu to inaugurate the new Parliament building on May 28. Tharoor’s statement follows Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge’s earlier accusations, claiming that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government deliberately excluded the President, who hails from the Dalit and tribal communities, from the event for electoral reasons.
Tharoor’s tweet highlighted the constitutional significance of the President’s role within the parliamentary system. He stated, “Yes, @kharge Sahib is right. Articles 60 and 111 of the Constitution of India make it clear that the President is the head of parliament. It was bizarre enough that the PM performed the ground-breaking ceremony & puja when construction began, but totally incomprehensible (& arguably unconstitutional) for him and not the President to inaugurate the building.”
Kharge had previously criticized the government for failing to invite then-President Ram Nath Kovind to the foundation laying ceremony of the new Parliament building in December 2020. Alleging disrespect towards the Office of the President of India, Kharge accused the BJP-RSS Government of reducing it to tokenism.
Highlighting the significance of the President’s role as the highest Constitutional authority, Kharge emphasized that the President represents the government, the opposition, and every citizen alike. He called for the President to inaugurate the new Parliament building, considering it a symbol of the government’s commitment to democratic values and Constitutional propriety. Opposition leaders, including former Congress President Rahul Gandhi, echoed this sentiment, asserting that the President should perform the inauguration instead of the Prime Minister.
Congress’ senior spokesperson, Anand Sharma, expressed the party’s concerns during a press conference, emphasizing the need to maintain constitutional propriety. He urged the government and the Prime Minister to request the President to inaugurate the new Parliament building, considering her role as the head of the institution of Parliament.
Sharma further stated, “It is not proper constitutionally to keep the President of India out of such a big decision.” He reiterated the Congress’ stance that the Prime Minister has the right to be present at the event, but the constitutional protocol should be respected.
As the issue gains traction, it raises questions about the government’s approach to the highest Constitutional office and the importance of upholding democratic values and principles. The controversy surrounding the exclusion of the President from the inauguration of the new Parliament building highlights the need for a balanced and respectful relationship between the executive and the ceremonial head of state.
The opposition’s demand for the President’s involvement in this significant event underscores their emphasis on preserving constitutional norms and decorum. Whether the government addresses these concerns and accords the President the honor of inaugurating the new Parliament building remains to be seen, but the controversy has undoubtedly sparked a debate on the role and stature of the President within India’s political landscape.
