DMK, RJD to Boycott New Parliament Inauguration; Opposition Boycott Spree Gains Momentum

New Delhi: Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) on Wednesday said they will not attend the inauguration ceremony of the new parliament building by PM Modi on May 28.

Earlier the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Trinamool Congress had announced their boycott of the ceremony. The opposition parties have denounced plans by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to inaugurate the new parliament, and not President Droupadi Murmu. The date of inauguration also coincides with the birth anniversary of VD Savarkar, which opposition parties like Congress find hard to swallow.

Some political experts feel the inauguration of India’s new parliament may resemble the opening of a Chinese council building with next to nil representation from the opposition.

Several Opposition parties, including the Congress, have objected to PM Modi opening the new parliament instead of President Droupadi Murmu. Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge has accused the government of “repeatedly disrespecting propriety” by not inviting the President and former President to the inauguration.

The CPI and AIMIM have also criticized the government’s move.