India Political Highlights: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah arrives in Delhi; likely to discuss Cabinet expansion with party leadership

As we sign off, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DKS are in Delhi likely to discuss Cabinet expansion with the party leadership. On a national level, as many as 20 political parties have boycotted the inauguration of the new Parliament. The NDA has released a strongly worded statement 'unequivocally condemning' this decision of the Oppn calling their 'audacity' to 'preach' about parliamentary decency and constitutional values 'laughable'.

AAP's charge that it is not being allowed to work is merely an excuse: Cong leader

"AAP's charge that it is not being allowed to work is merely an excuse and a reflection of uselessness," says Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit as Delhi's ruling party opposes Centre's ordinance to create an authority for transfer and posting of Group-A officers.

Siddaramaiah arrives in Delhi to likely discuss Cabinet expansion with party leadership

Oppn's preferance for semi-monarchic governments and family-run parties shows an aversion to vibrant democracy: NDA

It is painfully apparent that the Opposition shuns Parliament because it represents the will of the people - a will that has repeatedly rejected their antiquated and self-serving politics. Their preference for semi-monarchic governments and family-run parties shows an aversion to vibrant democracy, an ideology incongruent with the ethos of our nation: National Democratic Alliance (NDA) statement

NDA calls the 'audacity' of Oppn to 'preach' about parliamentary decency and constitutional values is, in the light of their actions 'laughable'

The audacity of these opposition parties to preach about parliamentary decency and constitutional values is, in the light of their actions, nothing short of laughable. Their hypocrisy knows no bounds – they boycotted the special GST session presided over by the then President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee; skipped the ceremony when he was awarded the Bharat Ratna, and even extended a late courtesy call to Shri Ramnath Kovind Ji upon his election as President. Further, the disrespect shown towards our current President, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, is a new low in political discourse. The staunch opposition to her candidature is not just an insult to her but a direct affront to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes of our nation:

This recent boycott is just another feather in their cap of disregard for democratic processes: NDA

Such flagrant disrespect towards this institution betrays not only intellectual bankruptcy but a disturbing contempt for the very essence of democracy. Regrettably, this is not the first instance of such disdain. Over the past nine years, these opposition parties have repeatedly shown scant regard for parliamentary procedures, disrupted sessions, staged walkouts during crucial legislations, and demonstrated an alarming lackadaisical attitude towards their Parliamentary duties. This recent boycott is just another feather in their cap of disregard for democratic processes

NDA says it 'unequivocally condemns' the decision of opposition parties to boycott the inauguration of new Parliament

BJP announces campaign to highlight Modi govt's contribution to Delhi's infrastructure growth

YSRCP led by Andhra Pradesh CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy will attend the inauguration of the new Parliament building on 28th May in Delhi

I want to draw your attention to the shameless habit of our opposition politicians like Rahul Gandhi and his cohorts to use abuse and lies, not just to insult our PM and our government but also our nation, our democracy and our institutions: Chandrasekhar

"This achievement, this transformation of the India story, the India narrative has become possible due to 9 years of relentless hard work by PM Modi"

"For all Congressmen, the party headquarters is our temple. We meet our leaders. We discuss many issues in the interest of the state," says Karnataka Deputy CM D K Shivakumar on his visit to Delhi

BJD to attend Parliament building inauguration

Karnataka Deputy CM and Congress leader DK Shivakumar arrives in Delhi to meet party leadership

Karnataka Deputy CM and Congress leader DK Shivakumar arrives in Delhi to meet party leadership "We will meet the party leaders here, to discuss the various issues in the interest of the state. We also have to complete our Cabinet soon. We have to fulfil the promises we have made to the people of Karnataka. There are no internal issues in Karnataka Congress," he says.

The decision taken by the opposition shows that they do not have faith in democracy: Fadnavis on opposition boycotting the inauguration of the new Parliament House

The decision taken by the opposition shows that they do not have faith in democracy. It is not just the building of India's Lok Sabha, it is the building of strength of New India. Indira Gandhi inaugurated the Parliament Annexe building in 1975, Rajiv Gandhi did the Bhoomi Pujan of the Parliament Library. Was it anti-democratic?: Maharashtra Dy CM Devendra Fadnavis on opposition boycotting the inauguration of the new Parliament House

Himanta Biswa Sarma terms opposition boycott of new Parliament building inauguration a ‘drama’

NCP chief and all our MPs will not participate in the inauguration of the new Parliament building, says NCP spokesperson Mahesh Tapase

'The pettiness with which the (Opposition) parties are thinking is not the right way to go,' says Scindia

'I don't want to comment on who'll be attending or boycotting the inauguration event, says GN Azad,' Democratic Progressive Azad Party chief

All records will be broken in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections under PM Modi's leadership: Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde

Progress of the country is in front of the world and India is getting respect everywhere... The development that did not happen in past 70 years, has happened in last 8-9 years. Public knows everything. All records will be broken in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections under PM Modi's leadership: Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde on opposition boycotting inauguration of new parliament building

"In the last 9 years - 5 non-BJP / Opposition state governments either laid foundation stones or inaugurated a new Legislative Assembly building," says Himanta Biswa Sarma adding that all were done by either the Chief Minister or the Party President

We will see in future what best we can do. Right now, we have to fulfil the five guarantees we made to the people of Karnataka: State minister Dr G Parameshwara on Amnesty India demanding hijab ban in Karnataka be rolled back

Credit: PTI Photo

'Sengol', a historic sceptre, to be installed in new Parliament building

A historic golden 'Sengol' or sceptre, which was received by first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to symbolise the transfer of power from the British in 1947 and kept in a museum in Allahabad, will be installed in the new Parliament building. The Narendra Modi government sees the sceptre as something that connects local traditions and modern needs.

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We are here to build relationships, says Uddhav Thackeray and Arvind Kejriwal.

Opposition unity build-up gathers pace as Kejriwal meets Uddhav

Amid the Opposition unity build-up, AAP national convenor and Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday met Shiv Sena (UBT) head Uddhav Thackeray in Mumbai. Kejriwal was accompanied by Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann.

Uddhav, a former chief minister, was accompanied by top party leaders including Subhash Desai, Sanjay Raut and Anil Desai.

Kejriwal and Mann were accompanied by AAP Mumbai president Preeti Sharma Menon, Atishi Singh and Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Singh and Raghav Chadha.

Delhi CM and AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann and other AAP leaders meet former Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray and MP Sanjay Raut, in Mumbai. Credit: Twitter/@ANI

No saffronisation, no moral policing: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah's instructions to police officials

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah on Wednesday said that clear instructions have been given to senior Police officials:no saffronisation, no moral policing.

Amid the big Opposition move to boycott the new Parliament building opening, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal met Uddhav Thackeray in Mumbai.

Kejriwal sought the support from Thackeray for AAP's fight against Centre's ordinance on control of services in Delhi.

Very happy that all Opposition parties are coming together, says K C Venugopal

Congress general secretary-organisation KC Venugopal on Wednesday said that the Congress party discussed with all like-minded parties to boycott the inaugural function of the new Parliament building on May 28. "We are very happy that all Opposition parties are coming together to fight against this," he said.

'Not the time of politics': Pralhad Joshi urges Oppn parties to join 'historical function'

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi says, "I would like to tell them that this is a historical event. This is not the time of politics... Boycotting and making issues out of a new issue is most unfortunate. I appeal to them to reconsider their decision and join this historical function..."

Should not be politicised: Shah on Opposition parties' boycott of new Parliament building inauguration

Reacting to Opposition parties' boycott of the inaugural ceremony, Shah says, "We should not politicise this (inauguration of the new Parliament building) issue, let people think and react however they want to."

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi says, "I would like to tell them that this is a historical event. This is not the time of politics...Boycotting and making issues out of a new issue is most unfortunate. I appeal to them to reconsider their decision and join this historical function..."

Sengol played an important role in our history, says Shah as he talks about new Parliament building

Shah adds, "Sengol had played an important role in our history. This Sengol became a symbol of the transfer of power. When PM Modi got information about this, a thorough investigation was done. Then it was decided that it should be put before the country. For this, the day of the inauguration of the new Parliament House was chosen."

Amit Shah dubs the inauguration of new Parliament building a 'historical event'

Which are the political parties boycotting the new Parliament building's inauguration? Here's the full list

The new Parliament building, which is set to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on May 28, has found itself in the middle of a political controversy.

Congress and other Opposition parties have been voicing their displeasure at the fact that President Droupadi Murmu, who is the constitutional head of the Parliament, has not been invited to inaugurate the new structure.

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Meanwhile, Karnataka gets its new Assembly Speaker! Congress MLA U T Khader has been unanimously elected as new Speaker of the House.

'Soul of democracy sucked out of Parliament', 19 Opposition parties to boycott inauguration of new building

"Prime Minister Modi’s decision to inaugurate the new Parliament building by himself, completely sidelining President Murmu, is not only a grave insult but a direct assault on our democracy which demands a commensurate response," reads the joint statement.

It further states:When the soul of democracy has been sucked out from the Parliament, we find no value in a new building. We announce our collective decision to boycott the inauguration of the new Parliament building. We will continue to fight — in letter, in spirit, and in substance — against this authoritarian Prime Minister and his government, and take our message directly to the people of India.

Full Text: Joint Statement of like-minded Opposition Parties

Rahul Gandhi's new passport plea to be heard on May 26

Meanwhile, acourt in Delhi posted the hearing on a plea for a fresh passport by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, an accused in the National Herald case, on May 26.

Gandhi had moved the court Tuesday seeking a 'no objection certificate' to secure a fresh "ordinary passport" after having surrendered his diplomatic travel document upon his disqualification as an MP.

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Karnataka abuzz with speculation of Cabinet expansion

Meanwhile, Karnataka is abuzz with speculation of Cabinet expansion as Siddaramaiah and D K Shivakumar will be flying to Delhi today.Details of the Delhi visit has not been shared with media, but party sources said they are expected to meet Congress leadership to discuss allocation of portfolios to Ministers and cabinet expansion.

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Parties which will be a part of the joint Opposition's statement on boycott of new Parliament building

Nineteen Opposition parties will issue a joint statement to announce boycott of inauguration of new Parliament building.

A view of the newly-constructed Parliament House Building set to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 28in New Delhi. Credit: IANS Photo

BRS to announce its decision on boycotting inauguration ceremony of new Parliament building tomorrow

Meanwhile,BRS MP K Keshava Rao has said that the party has not taken any decision yet on wether they will attend the inaugural ceremony of the new Parliament building. He adds that it is "unlikely that we will attend but we'll announce our decision tomorrow".

NCP becomes ninth party to boycott inaugural function of new Parliament building

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Spokesperson on Wednesday said that the party will not attend the inaugural function of the new Parliament building. "The party has decided to stand with other like-minded Opposition parties on this issue," theSpokesperson said.

Here are the parties that have announced the boycott of inauguration ceremony of new Parliament building:

1. Indian National Congress

2. Trinamool Congress

3. Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam

4. Janata Dal (United)

5. Aam Aadmi Party

6. Nationalist Congress Party

7. Shiv Sena (UBT)

8. Communist Party of India (Marxist)

9. Samajwadi Party

10. Rashtriya Janata Dal

11. Communist Party of India

12. Indian Union Muslim League

13. Jharkhand Mukti Morcha

14. National Conference

15. Kerala Congress (Mani)

16. Revolutionary Socialist Party

17. Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi

18. Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam

19. Rashtriya Lok Dal

Opposition unites behind 'boycott' placard over inauguration of new Parliament building

With seven parties announcing their boycott of the inauguration of the new Parliament building, the Opposition parties seems to be coming together against the BJP. Opposition parties have demanded that the President, who is the First Citizen of India and the head of the Parliament, should be the one inaugurating the new building and not PM Modi.

Uddhav Thackeray faction to also boycott inauguration of new Parliament building

DMK latest to boycott inauguration of new Parliament building

Now,Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MP Tiruchi Siva has announced that the party will boycott the new Parliament building inauguration. With this, a total of six parties from the Opposition have announced their decision to not attend the inauguration ceremony of the new Parlaiment building as Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be inaugurating it.

Seat-sharing should be on basis of merit: Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole

With the Lok Sabha and Maharashtra Assembly polls due next year, state Congress president Nana Patole has said stress will be laid on the allotment of seats according to the merit of candidates.

The Congress is determined to defeat the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the allocation of seats will be decided keeping the same objective in mind, Patole told reporters on Tuesday.

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In another news just coming in, the ED is raiding the premises of two aides of AAP MP Sanjay Singh in Delhi Excise Policy case.

Singh has alleged that theED raids are being conducted at the premises of his colleagues Ajit Tyagi and Sarvesh Mishra.

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Meanwhile, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah, Deputy CM D K Shivakumar will be visiting Delhi today. They are likely to discuss Cabinet expansion with Congress leadership.

Kejriwal, Mann to meet Uddhav Thackeray in Mumbai

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his Punjab counterpart Bhagwant Mann will meet Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray at the latter's residence in Mumbai on Wednesday. This is a part of their nationwide tour to garner support for the AAP's fight against the Centre’s ordinance on control of services in Delhi.

Now, RJD says it will boycott the inauguration ceremony of new Parliament building

Now, another party has joined others who are planning to boycott the inauguration ceremony of the new Parliament building by the Prime Minister. The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) will boycott the inauguration ceremony of the new Parliament building in Delhi on May 28, reported ANI.

Opposition believes they have a chance to defeat BJP even before 2024 Lok Sabha elections

The Opposition believes that they have a chance to “defeat the ruling BJP even before 2024 Lok Sabha elections” provided BJD and YSR Congress join them to vote against the Bill to replace the ordinance in Rajya Sabha, though the Congress is yet to publicly announce its support for the move as its Delhi and Punjab leaders are vehemently opposed to supporting Kejriwal.

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Delhi ordinance issue becomes testing ground for Opposition unity

While the issue of new Parliament building seems to be bringing the Opposition parties together, another issue inthe national capital is creating a space parties to unite.The ordinance clipping the wings of Delhi government is testing Opposition unity within and outside Parliament, even as Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday began his ‘yatra’ seeking support to defeat the Modi government’s move with a visit to Kolkata to meet his West Bengal counterpart Mamata Banerjee.

Why does the Opposition want President to inaugurate new Parliament building?

Congress president Mallkarjun Kharge and other leaders like Manish Tiwari and Shashi Tharoor have pointed out that the President should be inaugurating the new Parliament building.

According to the Constitution, the powers of President entailexecutive, legislative, judiciary, emergency, and military powers. The legislative powers included both Houses of the Parliament, that is Lok Sabha (Lower House) and Rajya Sabha (Upper House).

In Article 79 it is further stated that, “There shall be a Parliament for the Union which shall consist of the President and the two Houses--Council of States (Rajya Sabha) and the House of People (Lok Sabha).”

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New Parliament building inauguration stirs political pot; TMC, AAP, CPI(M) to boycott

The inauguration of the new Parliament building by PM Modi has been churning the political pot in the the nation. So far, Trinamool Congress, AAP and CPI (M) have announced to boycott the inauguration ceremony. Meanwhile, other Opposition parties are discussing among themselves to jointly announce skipping the event in protest against not inviting President Droupadi Murmu to the ceremony. Track political updates from all over the country, right here with DH.

Khader as Speaker: Leadership vacuum for Congress in Coastal Karnataka?

Soft-spoken, amicable and yet, an indomitable voice against communal politics, former minister and Mangaluru MLA U T Khader has held the fort for Congress in the Hindutva hotbed of Coastal Karnataka.

The Congress' move to nominate him for the Legislative Assembly Speaker's post has raised concerns about the leadership vacuum it would create for the party in the coastal region.

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CPI(M) to boycott inauguration of new Parliament building

Meghalaya oppn party chief on hunger strike seeking review of ‘unfair’ job reservation policy

To put pressure on the Meghalaya government to review the 1972 reservation policy, opposition Voice of the People's Party (VPP) chief Ardent Basaiawmoit started an indefinite hunger strike on Tuesday, claiming that it is “unfair and outdated”.

Since 1972, 40 per cent of the state government jobs are reserved for the Garo and Khasi communities each. Another five per cent is reserved for other tribes residing in the state while the remaining 15 per cent are for the general category.

Odisha's BJD says ready for early elections

The ruling BJD in Odisha on Tuesday said it was prepared to face an early election in the state.

Speaking to PTI, BJD vice-president Debi Prasad Mishra said the party enjoys huge support among the people and it is prepared to go to the elections under the leadership of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik anytime.

"I have heard about it and people are discussing it. This is a hypothetical question. If other stakeholders and the Election Commission of India are ready to hold an early election in Odisha, the BJD is prepared for it. We have a huge support among the people," he said, replying to a question on the issue.