'Rashtrapati Bhavan unaware of Parl event invite for Prez'

NT Correspondent

New Delhi

The Rashtrapati Bhavan has stated that they possess "no information" regarding whether President Droupadi Murmu was invited to the inauguration of the new Parliament building on May 28.

This response was provided by Rashtrapati Bhavan in relation to an application filed under the Right to Information Act by Saket Gokhale, spokesperson for the TMC.

Gokhale's application sought clarification on whether Murmu had received a formal invitation to either inaugurate the new building or attend the ceremony, from the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, the prime minister, or any other relevant authority.

Furthermore, Gokhale requested details of all communications between the Rashtrapati Bhavan and government authorities concerning the inauguration. In response to the second query, the Rashtrapati Bhavan stated, "According to the available records, a message from the Hon'ble President of India was issued for the inauguration ceremony of the new Parliament Building upon the request from Om Birla, Speaker of Lok Sabha."

On May 28, President Murmu expressed her welcome for the inauguration of the new Parliament by Prime Minister Modi, emphasizing that the office of the prime minister represents the "trust" placed in the House.

In a message conveyed by Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairperson Harivansh, Murmu described the new Parliament building as a "living example" of India's dedication to preserving its democratic traditions, according to PTI.

Twenty opposition parties had chosen to boycott the inauguration contending that PM Modi's decision to inaugurate the building instead of the president was not only a significant insult but a direct attack on democracy.

The opposition parties accused Modi of marginalizing India's first Adivasi president from this important national event. They also raised objections to holding the inauguration ceremony on the birth anniversary of Hindutva