Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, returned to Delhi today after completing a successful three-nation visit to Japan, Papua New Guinea, and Australia. While addressing the media, he took a veiled swipe at the opposition for their decision to boycott the inauguration of the new Parliament building.
PM Modi made reference to a recent community event he attended in Sydney, where over 20,000 people gathered to hear him speak. Notably, the Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese, and even the country’s former Prime Minister, along with opposition MPs, were present at the event, united for the betterment of their nation. During his speech, the PM criticised the opposition for questioning the government’s decision to export COVID-19 vaccines to other countries during the peak of the pandemic. He reminded everyone that India is the land of Buddha and Gandhi, emphasising the nation’s compassionate nature. He stated, “In times of crises, they asked why Modi was giving vaccines to the world. Remember, it’s the land of Buddha, it’s the land of Gandhi! We care even for our enemies, we are the people inspired by compassion!” Despite the anticipation surrounding the upcoming inauguration of the new parliament building, it is expected to witness a minimal representation from the opposition. As many as 20 parties have announced their boycott of the event.
In a joint statement, the opposition parties expressed their discontent, criticising PM Modi’s decision to personally inaugurate the building while sidelining President Murmu. They condemned this move as a grave insult and a direct assault on the country’s democracy. They argued that it undermines the spirit of inclusion, particularly as President Murmu is India’s first woman Adivasi President. The statement further highlighted the alleged undemocratic acts of the Prime Minister, accusing him of hollowing out the parliament by disqualifying, suspending, and muting opposition Members of Parliament who raised issues on behalf of the people. The opposition parties expressed their disillusionment, asserting that when the soul of democracy has been sucked out from the parliament, a new building holds no value. In response, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) strongly rebuked the opposition’s decision to boycott the inauguration, labelling it a “blatant affront to democratic ethos and constitutional values of our great nation.” The confrontation between the government and the opposition parties intensifies as the controversy surrounding the event further exposes the deep-rooted disagreements over democratic principles and the perceived marginalisation of important constitutional figures.
