Nineteen opposition parties, including Indian National Congress (INC) and other important parties, on Wednesday, announced that they will be boycotting the inauguration of the new Parliament building.
Justifying their decision, the parties issued a joint statement: "Prime Minister Modi's decision to inaugurate the new Parliament building by himself, completely sidelining President Droupadi Murmu, is not only a grave insult but a direct assault on our democracy which demands a commensurate response."
The statement has been issued on behalf of the Indian National Congress, Trinamool Congress, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), Janata Dal (United), Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Nationalist Congress Party, Shiv Sena (UBT), Communist Party of India (Marxist), Samajwadi Party, Rashtriya Janata Dal, Communist Party of India, Indian Union Muslim League, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, National Conference, Kerala Congress (Mani), Revolutionary Socialist Party, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and Rashtriya Lok Dal.
"When the soul of democracy has been sucked out Parliament, we find no value in a new building. We announce our collective decision to boycott the inauguration of the new Parliament building. We will continue to fight - in letter, in spirit, and in substance - against this authoritarian Prime Minister and his government, and take our message directly to the people of India," the statement reads.
Referring to the Article 79 of Indian Constitution, the opposition parties said President Murmu "is not only the Head of State but also an integral part of the Parliament."
As per Indian law, the President summons, prorogues, and addresses the first session of the Parliament. After a Bill is passed in both houses of Parliament, the President's assent is necessary to turn the Bill into Law.
"In short, the Parliament cannot function without the President. Yet, the prime minister has decided to inaugurate the new Parliament building without her," the opposition parties said.
Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah reacted to the letter and said that opposition parties should not politicise the matter.