India’s Opposition to Boycott Modi’s New Parliament Inauguration

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate a new parliament building in New Delhi on Sunday, but at least 19 opposition parties have announced their plans to boycott the event. In a joint statement, the parties accused Modi of sidelining India’s first tribal head of state, President Droupadi Murmu, by not allowing her to open the new parliament. The opposition parties argue that Modi’s decision to inaugurate the building himself is a “grave insult” and a “direct assault on our democracy”. The $2.8bn revamp of British-era offices and residences in central New Delhi includes the new parliament building, residences for the prime minister and vice president, and 10 blocks of buildings to house government ministries and departments.