The Opposition on Monday hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for unveiling the National Emblem atop the new Parliament Building by "subverting and violating" the principle of Constitutional separation of powers. It also slammed the PM for not inviting Opposition party leaders to the programme.
“The Constitution separates powers of parliament, government & judiciary. As head of the government, the Prime Minister should not have unveiled the national emblem atop the new parliament building,” All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) president Asaduddin Owaisi said. “The Speaker of Lok Sabha represents Lok Sabha which isn't subordinate to the government. The prime minister has violated all constitutional norms,” said Owaisi, who is a Lok Sabha member from Hyderabad. The CPI(M) politburo said the PM’s action was a "clear violation of the Indian Constitution". In a statement, it said Constitution unambiguously separates three wings of our democracy - the Executive (government), the Legislature (Parliament and state assemblies) and Judiciary.
"President summons Parliament. Prime minister is the head of the Executive. The Legislature has its independent role to perform, amongst others, to legislate laws, keep the Executive accountable and answerable," it said adding "This Constitutional separation of powers between the three wings is being subverted by the head of the Executive".The CPI(M) also took objection to a religious ceremony organized at the event.“National emblem installation should not be linked to religious ceremonies. It is everyone's emblem, not those who have some religious beliefs. Keep religion separate from national functions,” said CPI(M) in a tweet. Former Congress MP Sandeep Dikshit said it is good that a new Parliament building is being built in the country but Centre should invite Opposition leaders as well to the events and functions related to Parliament.
"Parliament does not belong to a single party, government or a prime minister... It is a temple of democracy and it belongs to every elected member of Parliament and the party he/she is affiliated to," he said.
While NCP leader Majeed Memon wondered why government had kept away opposition leaders from the ceremony as “Parliament House will not be occupied by Prime Minister alone”, CPI General Secretary D Raja said the Parliament belongs to everyone and wondered “how a private personal event” was organised there. “Also, Parliament is neutral so why bring religious functions into it,” Raja said.