As the inauguration of the new Parliament building on May 28 approaches, 19 Opposition parties of India on Wednesday issued a joint statement announcing their decision to boycott the event citing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's disregard for the President and her constitutional role. In the meantime, Home Minister Amit Shah addressed a press briefing on the cultural aspects of the new building and appealed to the Opposition to not politicise the event.

Home Minister Amit Shah during a press conference on Wednesday also said that the Opposition shouldn't politicise the event and the issue. Highlighting the cultural aspects of the new Parliament building, Shah claimed that it was a historic moment for India.

"This is not the time for politics," he said. "Boycotting and making issues out of a new issue is most unfortunate. I appeal to them to reconsider their decision and join this historical function."

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Shah also touched upon the Sengol, a sceptre from Tamil Nadu which was given to Jawaharlal Nehru to mark the transfer of power from the British to the Indians. Modi has decided to reintroduce the sceptre in the new building.

He added that 60 workers had helped construct the building in a historic time and that they would be honoured.

When is the inauguration of the new Parliament building?

The inauguration of the new Parliament building is scheduled to take place on May 28. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be inaugurating the building, as per the invitation extended by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.

Has there been any response from the government?

Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri defended the prime minister's role in the inauguration, citing examples of previous prime ministers inaugurating Parliament-related structures.

The government accused the Congress party and other Opposition parties of hypocrisy and lacking a sense of national spirit and pride in India's progress.

The government maintained that the President's absence from the invitation was not intentional and invited all to join in celebrating the achievement and progress of the country.

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With agency inputs.

First Published:May 24, 2023 12:46 PM IST