Odisha’s ruling BJD to join Parliament building inauguration ceremony, hints to debate controversy later in Parliament
By Sukant Mohanty
Bhubaneswar, May 26 : Odisha’s ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Thursday cleared its stance and announced that it will attend the new Parliament building inauguration to be held on May 28.
The BJD, though a staunch political opponent of the BJP in the state, has always supported the latter on important issues and occasions. Its decision to participate in the Parliament’s new office building comes as a move quite identical to that of the YSR Congress of Andhra Pradesh. The YSR Congress, though not a part of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance, has not only announced to participate in the event, but also exhorted other political parties to join the “momentous” occasion.
In a statement, BJD’s national spokesperson, Sasmit Patra said the President of India is the head of the state and the Parliament represents the 1.4 billion people of the country.
“Both the institutions are symbols of Indian democracy and draw their authority from the Constitution of India. Their authority and stature should always be safeguarded,” he said.
“BJD believes that these constitutional institutions should be above any issue which may affect their sanctity and honour. Such issues can always be debated later in the Parliament. Hence, the BJD will be a part of this momentous occasion,” Patra said.
Notably, 19 Opposition parties, including the Congress and many regional parties, have issued a joint statement saying that they will boycott the inaugural event.
They are demanding that President Droupadi Murmu should inaugurate the new Parliament building, and not the Prime Minister.
Andhra Pradesh CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has urged all political parties to attend the event setting all political differences aside.
Taking to Twitter, Andhra CM wrote, “I congratulate @narendramodi ji for dedicating the grand, majestic and spacious Parliament building to the nation. Parliament, being the temple of democracy, reflects our nation’s soul and belongs to the people of our country and all the political parties. Boycotting such an auspicious event is not in the true spirit of democracy. Setting aside all political differences, I request that all political parties attend this glorious event. In the true spirit of democracy, my party will attend this historic event.”
