Congress and 18 other opposition parties jointly released a statement saying that they would boycott the inauguration of the new Parliament building, which will take place on May 28.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the new Parliament building on Sunday. Led by the Congress 19 Opposition parties on Wednesday alleged that the PM is sidelining President Droupadi and it is an insult to the high office of the President. This decision violates the letter and spirit of the Constitution, which is unacceptable.

Congress leader KC Venugopal released a joint statement and tweeted, “19 opposition parties have collectively resolved to boycott the inauguration of the new Parliament building. Parliament is sacrosanct, and as the Head of State, Hon’ble President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu ji is the only authority that can preside over the solemn occasion of the inauguration of the new Parliament building. PM Modi inaugurating the new premises is unsurprising, but appalling nonetheless. As the opposition, we refuse to participate in this charade designed solely to feed the PM’s megalomania.”

“The Constitution of India states, in Article 79, that ”There shall be a Parliament for the Union which shall consist of the President and two Houses to be known respectively as the Council of States and the House of the People.”  The President is not only the Head of State in India, but also an integral part of the Parliament. She summons, prorogues, and addresses the Parliament. She must assent for an Act of Parliament to take effect,” reads the joint statement released by 19 Opposition parties.

“In short, the Parliament cannot function without the President. Yet, the Prime Minister has decided to inaugurate the new Parliament building without her. This undignified act insults the high office of the President, and violates the letter and spirit of the Constitution. It undermines the spirit of inclusion which saw the nation celebrate its first woman Adivasi President,” adds the statement.

Here is the list of the Opposition parties that have jointly decided to boycott the historic event.

Indian National Congress

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam

Aam Aadmi Party

Shiv Sena (UBT)

Samajwadi Party

Communist Party of India

Jharkhand Mukti Morcha

Kerala Congress (Mani)

Vid u th alai Chi rut h algal Katchi

Rashtriya Lok Dal

Trinamool Congress

Janata Dal (United)

Nationalist Congress Party

Communist Party of India (Marxist)

Rashtriya Janata Dal

Indian Union Muslim League

National Conference

Revolutionary Socialist Party

Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam