External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed his disappointment over the decision of 20 opposition parties to boycott the inauguration of the new Parliament building, emphasizing the need to set limits on political maneuvering. Speaking during his visit to Gujarat, Jaishankar urged the nation to come together and celebrate the event as a festival of democracy, rather than turning it into a controversial subject.
“I believe that the inauguration of the new Parliament building should be taken as a festival of democracy and it should be celebrated in that spirit. It should not be made a subject of controversy. It is unfortunate if it becomes a subject of controversy,” said Jaishankar.
According to the reports by Hindustan Times, The opposition parties had advocated for President Droupadi Murmu to perform the inauguration, asserting her role as the Head of State and an integral part of Parliament. In response, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) called upon the opposition to reconsider their stance, emphasizing the insult to democracy and elected representatives.
While the Supreme Court declined to entertain a public interest litigation seeking presidential inauguration, Jaishankar labeled the opposition's decision to boycott the event as unfortunate. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the new Parliament building, the External Affairs Minister stressed the significance of celebrating the occasion with unity and reverence.
During his visit to Gujarat, Jaishankar also planned to visit four villages in Narmada district as part of the Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana, a program in which he has adopted those villages.
(With PTI Inputs)
