Politics heats up in Odisha after BJD announces to attend new Parliament House inauguration event

The political temperature in the State went up by several notches on Thursday with the Congress party launching a broad side on the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) after the conch party announced to attend the new Parliament House inauguration ceremony to be held in New Delhi on May 28.

Coming down heavily on the BJD government, senior Congress leader Narasingha Mishra said, “PM Narendra Modi is disrespecting President Droupadi Murmu. I and my party condemn the decision of not inviting the President to the inauguration ceremony.”

“During Presidential election, CM Naveen termed Droupadi Murmu as his sister. Now where is his love for his sister and Odisha,” Mishra questioned.

Commenting on the development, BJD leader Amar Prasad Satpathy, “CM Naveen Patnaik’s decision is very clear. All our MPs will attend the inauguration of the new Parliament House. We respect the Constitution and democracy.”

Meanwhile, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has welcomed the decision of BJD of attending the momentous event.

“I welcome BJD's decision to attend new Parliament House inauguration ceremony. Not any party, but all had fought for India's independence. Those who believe in democracy should grace the occasion. It is a good decision by BJD," Pradhan 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.