Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman led the charge, criticising 21 opposition parties that decided to withdraw from the ceremony over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision to preside over the event instead of President Droupadi Murmu.
"Whether you like the Prime Minister or do not like to see him... Whatever it is, you have to respect the temple of democracy. ...it is not good to boycott the temple of democracy where we debate people's issues. ...At least for the people, participate in the function," Sitharaman told reporters in Chennai.
In Delhi, Modi appeared to make a veiled reference to the controversy in his remarks after returning from a three-nation visit.
"It was the atmosphere of democracy that everyone joined in the Indian community's programme. Not only the Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese, was in the audience, but also the country's former PM and the entirety of the opposition who were together for the sake of their nation," he said, referring to an event in Sydney.
His comments came a day after 21 opposition parties announced that they will boycott the inauguration.
This story is from the May 26, 2023 edition of Hindustan Times.
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This story is from the May 26, 2023 edition of Hindustan Times.
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