India’s opposition to boycott inauguration
On Sunday, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate a new parliament building in New Delhi – a decision that has led to at least 19 opposition parties announcing their plans to boycott the event.
In a joint statement, the national and regional parties on Wednesday accused Modi of sidelining President Droupadi Murmu, “who should open the new parliament”.
Murmu is the first tribal head of State in India. He is an indirectly elected, non-party executive with only ceremonial powers, but is considered the country’s first citizen and is the highest constitutional authority.
“Modi’s decision to inaugurate the new parliament building by himself, completely sidelining Murmu, is not only a grave insult but also a direct assault on our democracy,” the statement said.
