Amidst all the hue and cry over who should or should not inaugurate the new Parliament House, a look at recent history reveals that former heads of central and state governments have unveiled legislature building complexes in various states. In some of these events, the then Prime Minister was present along with the Chief Ministers of the states, but the President was not invited.
But the opposition parties have decided to boycott the inauguration ceremony of the new Parliament building on May 28 amid a war of words with the central government that President Draupadi Murmu should inaugurate the new building and not Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
In one instance in 2011, then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh inaugurated new buildings in Imphal including the new assembly complex and the city convention centre. According to a report published by ndtvHe was accompanied by the then UPA chairperson and MP Sonia Gandhi.
In 2010, Manmohan Singh inaugurated the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Complex – the world’s first ‘green’ legislature building. Once again Sonia Gandhi was with him, while the then CM M Karunanidhi was also present.
More recently, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar inaugurated the Central Hall in the Legislative Assembly in February 2019. At the event, Kumar talked about the concept of federalism, saying that it is yet to be fully implemented in the country.
“Both the Center and the States have been given certain powers. While special provisions have been made for the autonomy of the states, the Center – as well – has been given certain responsibilities… The concept of federalism must be fully implemented,” he said while speaking on ‘Role of the Legislature in the Indian Constitution’ said ‘ according to a report published in times of India,
Reports said a large number of former legislators also turned up for the inauguration of the iconic Central Hall, which the chief minister said was modeled after the Central Hall of Parliament. Now, both the Congress and the Nitish Kumar-led JD(U) are part of the boycott of the inauguration of the new Parliament building.
According to media reports, the then PM Indira Gandhi inaugurated the Parliament Annexe on October 24, 1975. On August 15, 1987, the then PM Rajiv Gandhi laid the foundation stone of the Parliament Library. The President was not invited to both these events.
It would also be interesting to turn the pages of history to take a look at the inauguration of the old Parliament House by Viceroy Lord Irwin on January 18, 1927. According to newspaper reports of the time, leaders of various political parties such as the Congress and the Swaraj Party, including Motilal Nehru, attended the inauguration ceremony. The rulers of the princely states also participated in the inauguration ceremony.
A total of 19 opposition parties have decided to boycott the inauguration of the new Parliament building by the Prime Minister. On Wednesday, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said that Parliament is not built through “bricks of arrogance” but through constitutional values. The senior Congress leader said not allowing President Murmu to inaugurate the new building and not inviting him to the ceremony was an “insult” to the country’s highest constitutional post. Many Congress leaders also criticized the government regarding the inauguration.
In a joint statement, the opposition parties said, “Despite our belief that the government is putting democracy at risk, and despite our disapproval of the autocratic manner of the new parliament, we resolve to set aside our differences and mark the occasion.” were ready for.”
But, he said, Prime Minister Modi’s decision to inaugurate the new building, “completely sidelining President Draupadi Murmu, is not only a grave affront, but a direct attack on our democracy, which demands a similar response.” Is”.
Opposition parties said that the President is not only the head of state in India, but is also an integral part of the Parliament as he summons, prorogues and addresses it. “In short, Parliament cannot function without the President. Nevertheless, the Prime Minister has decided to inaugurate the new Parliament House without him. This unbecoming act brings dishonor to the high office of the President, and violates the letter and spirit of the Constitution. It undermines the spirit of inclusion, which saw the nation celebrate its first woman tribal president,” the parties said, according to a report published by the news agency PTI,
Congress, Trinamool Congress, DMK, JD(U), AAP, CPI-M, CPI, SP, NCP, SS (UBT), RJD, IUML, JMM, NC, KC (M), RSP, VCK, MDMK, RLD United is the signatory of the statement.