BJD Confirms Attendance at New Parliament Building Inauguration

Bhubaneswar: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has confirmed its attendance at the inauguration of the new Parliament building, which is scheduled for May 28. The party’s decision was announced by BJD national spokesperson Sasmit Patra, who emphasized the importance of upholding the authority and stature of Constitutional institutions.

Patra stated that the President of India and the Parliament represent the Indian State and its 1.4 billion people, making them symbols of Indian democracy rooted in the Constitution. Despite 19 opposition parties announcing their boycott of the event, BJD’s participation is notable, given Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik’s cordial relationship with PM Modi.

The inauguration of the new Parliament building will be conducted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, following an invitation from Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. The state-of-the-art four-storey building, constructed by Tata Projects Ltd, will accommodate over 1,200 Members of Parliament. Controversy arose when opposition parties argued that the President, rather than the Prime Minister, should perform the inauguration since the President is the head of state. In response, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri criticized the Congress for objecting to the event.

The new Parliament building features a magnificent constitution hall, highlighting India’s democratic heritage, as well as a lounge, library, multiple committee rooms, dining areas, and ample parking space. Notably, the marshals of both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha will have a new dress code. The construction of the new Parliament building is part of the larger Central Vista redevelopment project, which aims to revitalize the nation’s power corridor.