BJD Decision To Attend New Parliament Building Inauguration Heats Up Politics In Odisha

Bhubaneswar: While inauguration of the new Parliament building by Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled on May 28 has triggered a countrywide row, the issue has also warmed up the political atmosphere in Odisha.

While at least 19 political parties including Congress have decided to boycott the event, around 16 other outfits are ready to take part in the launch ceremony. The ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in Odisha has announced its decision to take part in the inauguration ceremony.

While the decision of BJD has been welcomed by senior BJP leader and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Congress has lashed out at Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik over the issue accusing him of always ‘obeying’ PM Modi.

Welcoming BJD’s decision to attend the new Parliament House inauguration ceremony, Dharmendra said all those who have faith in democracy should attend the event. “Not any political 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,” said Dharmendra.

However, veteran Congress leader and MLA Narasingha Mishra came down heavily on Naveen for BJD’s decision, saying that non-BJP parties have demanded that the new Parliament House be inaugurated by President Droupadi Murmu.

However, Modi is going to inaugurate it as part of his ‘cheap’ politics, which is an insult to the President, he claimed, adding that the Prime Minister had also laid the foundation stone of the building, ignoring the President.

What is more disturbing is that Naveen, who had described Murmu as his sister and daughter of the soil, has joined BJP in insulting her by deciding to attend the inauguration ceremony, the Congress leader claimed.

With this decision, Naveen has proved that he will always abide by what Modi desires, Mishra said.

Rejecting Mishra’s allegation, senior BJD leader and MLA Amar Prasad Satpathy accused Congress of doing politics over a ‘non-issue’. He also raised questions over the role of Congress during the Presidential election.

It may be noted here that Naveen, who is scheduled to fly to Delhi to attend the Niti Aayog’s governing council on May 27, is  also likely to attend the inauguration of the Parliament building to be held in the national capital the following day.

Political analysts are of the view that BJD’s decision clearly shows that Naveen does not want to confront or displease the BJP-led government at the centre.