Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has urged the opposition to reconsider their decision to boycott the inauguration ceremony of the new Parliament building. The Finance Minister said that the new building is a temple of democracy and a proud symbol for India, and there is nothing political about the event.
According to the reports by NDTV, she also expressed her surprise at the opposition's decision to boycott the event, and said that the new Parliament building is a prestigious moment for all. The opposition, including the Congress, have announced a boycott of the inauguration, citing the Prime Minister's decision to inaugurate the building without President Droupadi Murmu. They believe this decision "insults the high office of the President, and violates the letter and spirit of the Constitution".
The new Parliament building, which has been built in record time with quality construction, has been designed to accommodate the future requirements of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
The present building of the Parliament has a provision for the sitting of 543 Members in the Lok Sabha and 250 in the Rajya Sabha. However, the new building will have arrangements for a meeting of 888 members in the Lok Sabha and 384 members in the Rajya Sabha. The joint session of both Houses will be held in the Lok Sabha chamber.
The new Parliament building will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on May 28.
