Akali Dal Chief Defies Opposition Boycott, Will Attend Inauguration of New Parliament Building

Chandigarh: Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal is set to attend the inauguration ceremony of the new Parliament building in Delhi on May 28, despite the boycott announced by 19 Opposition parties.

The decision to attend reflects the party’s belief that the event symbolizes a moment of national pride, free from political maneuvers. Daljit Singh Cheema, a party leader, emphasized the importance of the occasion and criticized the boycott by parties such as the AAP, Congress, and TMC.

Opposition parties have expressed discontent over the Prime Minister’s decision to inaugurate the building without the presence of President Droupadi Murmu, considering it a grave insult to democracy. However, the SAD has chosen to participate in the event, with Sukhbir Singh Badal representing the party. Cheema urged all parties to attend, indirectly addressing the AAP by questioning why their Chief Minister, Bhagwant Mann, was absent when the President visited Chandigarh in the past.

Referring to a previous incident involving the Punjab Governor and the AAP government, Cheema highlighted the strained relationship between the Chief Minister and the President’s nominee. He also took a swipe at the Congress, mentioning their handling of the Constitution during the Emergency period and the purported lack of respect shown towards former President Giani Zail Singh during Rajiv Gandhi’s tenure.

The decision of the SAD to attend the inauguration demonstrates their commitment to celebrating this significant event for the country, while also implicitly criticizing the Opposition parties for their boycott.