Sitharaman urges Opposition to attend Parliament inauguration, ‘kindly rethink’

Sitharaman said: “It’s a temple of democracy, even the PM entered the Parliament by bowing on its steps. I humbly request and appeal (to the Opposition), kindly re-think, change your stand and participate in the ceremony”.

This comes when Congress and 18 political parties are boycotting the inauguration after Prime Minister Modi decided to inaugurate the new building himself, allegedly sidelining President Droupadi Murmu. They consider it an insult to the President’s office and a violation of the Constitution.

In a joint statement, Opposition parties said, “The inauguration of a new Parliament building is a momentous occasion. Despite our belief that the government is threatening democracy, and our disapproval of the autocratic manner in which the new Parliament was built, we were open to sinking our differences and marking this occasion. However, Prime Minister Modi’s decision to inaugurate the new Parliament building by himself, completely sidelining President Murmu, is not only a grave insult but a direct assault on our democracy which demands a commensurate response.”

Nirmala Sitharaman on Sengol

The Finance Minister was speaking at a press conference on the inauguration of the new Parliament building on May 28 and the installation of the historic golden sceptre Sengol.

During a press conference, Nirmala Sitharaman discussed the recovery of the Sengol, emphasizing its significance as a symbol of power transition in Tamil Nadu. She mentioned that renowned dancer Padma Subrahmanyam had sent Prime Minister Modi an article translated from Tamil to English. In the article, Subrahmanyam requested Modi’s assistance in locating the golden sceptre.

“Tamil Nadu played a very important role in this historic moment. Jawaharlal Nehru discussed with Rajaji about how to symbolise the transition of power. The practise of handing over the Sengol was there in Tamil Nadu for several years,” the Finance Minister said.