Amid calls from opposition parties to boycott the inauguration of the new Parliament building, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar voiced his disapproval of the construction, stating that there was no need for a new building. He accused those responsible for the project of attempting to rewrite history while having no involvement in the freedom struggle. Kumar expressed disappointment at the exclusion of President Droupadi and Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankar, who is also the chairman of Rajya Sabha, from the function.
JD(U), the party led by Nitish Kumar, announced its decision to boycott the inauguration of the new Parliament building and instead organize a day-long fast in protest. The party emphasized the importance of the president's role in the parliamentary system and criticized the Narendra Modi government for not inviting President Droupadi Murmu to inaugurate the new building. The state president of JD(U), Umesh Singh Kushwaha, reiterated these concerns and expressed disappointment at the government's disregard for the president's constitutional position.
Regarding his absence from the Niti Aayog meeting in Delhi, Kumar cited prior engagements in Patna and expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of response from the central government when he submitted a list of representatives from Bihar. He also questioned the intentions behind the Reserve Bank of India's decision to withdraw the Rs 2000 denomination banknotes from circulation, following the earlier withdrawal of Rs 1000 currency notes.
When asked about a potential meeting of non-BJP parties to discuss opposition unity before the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Kumar stated that discussions would take place at a later time. He previously met with Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee, who had urged him to hold a meeting of opposition parties in Patna at the end of May.
The boycott of the inauguration has been supported by nearly 20 opposition parties, including the Congress, Left, TMC, SP, and AAP, who have collectively argued that the new building holds no value when the "soul of democracy has been sucked out." They have also raised objections to Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurating the building, considering it an insult to the President of India, the highest constitutional office. Meanwhile, the BJP-led NDA is expected to receive relief with the participation of seven non-NDA parties, accounting for 50 Lok Sabha MPs, at the event, which will help counter the opposition's claims that it is solely a government event.
According to the reports by India Today, Additionally, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi stated that if Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla does not inaugurate the new Parliament building, his party would not attend the event.
(With PTI Input)
