Controversy erupts ahead the inauguration of new parliament due on May 28 after opposition parties demanded that President who is the “highest Constitutional authority” should inaugurate it.
Calling it an insult to the country’s founding fathers the grate old party had even criticised the date selected for the inauguration because May 28 is the birth anniversary of VD Savarkar, who is BJ’s biggest figure.
“Congress has a habit of raking controversies where none exist. While President is the Head of State, PM is the Head of Govt & leads the Parliament on behalf of the Govt, whose Policies are effected in form of Laws. The President is not a Member of either House, whereas PM is,” said union minister Hardeep Singh Puri through his Twitter handle.
Criticising back the Congress, BJP spokesman Gaurav Bhatia said, “Veer Savarkar is the pride of every Indian. Those who are questioning the date, tell them that they are inconsequential, not even worth the dust on Veer Savarkar’s feet”.
Alongside this, Congress Chief Mallikarjun Kharge has also criticised the government for continuously disrespecting the propriety for not inviting President and the former President to parliament’s inauguration.
“While Former President, Shri Kovind was not invited for the New Parliament foundation laying ceremony… The President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu is not being invited for the inauguration of the new Parliament Building,” he said in a tweet.
“She (the President) alone represents government, opposition, and every citizen alike. She is the First Citizen of India. Inauguration of the new Parliament building by her will symbolise Government’s commitment to Democratic values and Constitutional propriety,” said Mr Kharge in another tweet.
Apart from the Congress, other opposition parties have also criticised the government.
CPI’s D Raja said, “obsession with self-image and cameras trumps decency and norms when it comes to Modi-ji”.
Taking to his Twitter handle AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi said, “he (PM Modi) is head of the executive, not legislature. We have separation of powers and Hon’ble Lok Sabha Speaker and Rajya Sabha Chair could have inaugurated (it). It’s made with public money, why is PM behaving like his ‘friends’ have sponsored it from their private funds”.
