By Shibimol KG: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the inauguration ceremony of the new Parliament building that was held on Sunday was “a religion-based ceremony”. “The activities conducted in the name of Parliament inauguration are not expected from the government on a public stage. It was completely like a religion-based ceremony,” said the Kerala CM.
He made the remarks while addressing the memorial rally of LJD leader and former Union minister MP Veerendra Kumar in Kozhikode. Speaking at the rally, CM Vijayan said, “It’s already declared that India is a secular republic. Secularism is what we have generally accepted. But today, the activities conducted in the name of Parliament inauguration are not expected from the government on a public stage. It was completely like a religion-based ceremony.”
ALSO READ | End to colonial mindset, start of India’s new journey: PM Modi in 1st address in new Parliament
He also alleged that secularism is under attack in the country. He said, “The RSS is not in compliance with India being a secular nation, so they wish to change India into a religious country. That’s what was seen in the ceremonies that took place inside Parliament today.”
He accused the central government of “trying to change India into a religious country as part of RSS’ stand”. He also praised the ideals of secularism and said it allows every citizen in the country the right to practice any religion of their choice.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new Parliament building on Sunday in a grand ceremony. The inauguration was boycotted by as many as 20 opposition parties who said President Droupadi Murmu should have done the honours of inaugurating the new building.
The inauguration ceremony was also marred by the detention and manhandling of several ace wrestlers including Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia by the Delhi Police when they were protesting outside the new Parliament building.
ALSO READ | Wrestlers detained, protest site cleared as cops crack down on march to new Parliament
Published On:
May 29, 2023
