The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance on Wednesday launched a sharp counterattack on Opposition parties for their decision to boycott the new Parliament building's inauguration, slamming their stand as a "blatant affront to democratic ethos and constitutional values of our great nation". Around 15 parties from the BJP-led NDA alliance are likely to attend the event.
In a statement, leaders of 14 parties of the ruling alliance also implored the Opposition parties to reconsider their decision and said the people of India will not forget their "egregious insult to our democracy and to their elected representatives" if they stick to their stand.
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Here are the parties who will be attending the event:
Biju Janata Dal
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik's Biju Janata Dal said in a statement, "Such issues can always be debated later in the August house. Hence the BJD shall be a part of this momentous occasion. Further, the release stated, “The President of India is the Head of the Indian State. The Parliament represents the 1.4 billion people of India. Both institutions are symbols of Indian democracy and draw their authority from the Constitution of India. Their authority and stature should always be safeguarded.”
YSRCP
YSRCP leader Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy said, “I congratulate @narendramodi ji for dedicating the grand, majestic and spacious Parliament building to the nation. Parliament, being the temple of democracy, reflects our nation's soul and belongs to the people of our country and all the political parties. Boycotting such an auspicious event is not in the true spirit of democracy. Setting aside all political differences, I request that all political parties attend this glorious event. In the true spirit of democracy, my party will attend this historic event.”
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Shiromani Akali Dal
SAD leader Sukhbir Singh Badal will be attending the inauguration, party leader Daljit Singh Cheema said. He further said that India getting a new parliament was a moment of pride for the country and “we do not want any politics to be played at this time”.
Telugu Desam Party
Telugu Desam Party (TDP), the principal opposition party in the southern state is yet to declare its stance on the event, even as spokesperson Pattabhiram Kommareddy told PTI that a formal announcement may emerge in a day or two from the top leadership.
Bharat Rashtra Samithi
The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MPs will take a call on Thursday on attending the inauguration ceremony of the new Parliament building on May 28 in the national capital.
The ruling party in Telangana had earlier demanded that the new building be named after Dr BR Ambedkar, honouring his contribution in nation building and publication of the Constitution of India.
Other parties joining the event:
Shiv Sena Shinde faction
National People's Party (NPP)
Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP)
Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM)
Jananayak Janata Party (JJP)
All Jharkhand Students Union (AJSU)
Mizo National Front (MNF)
Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party (RLJP)
Republican Party of India (RPI)
Apna Dal (S)
India Makkal Kalvi Munnetra Kazhagam (IMKMK)
Tamil Maanila Congress
(With inputs from PTI)
