Cong lashes out at Naveen Patnaik for "abiding" with Modi, joining new Parliament inauguration, BJD hits back

The Congress lashed out at the ruling BJD and its president, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday for "abiding" with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on all occasions, including the new Parliament building inauguration. The BJD hit back accusing Congress of doing politics over a non-issue and raised questions over its role during the presidential election.

Patnaik is scheduled to visit the national capital on May 27 and attend the Niti Aayog's governing council meeting, sources in the chief minister's office said.

There was, however, no clarity on Patnaik joining the Parliament inauguration event the next day. BJD Lok sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs will attend the function.

Odisha Congress Legislature Party leader Narasingha Mishra hit out at Patnaik for BJD's decision to be present at the inauguration programme in Delhi on May 28 saying that the BJD president abides by whatever Modi says.

"What is more disturbing is that Patnaik, who had described President Droupadi Murmu as his sister and daughter of the soil during the presidential election last year, has now joined BJP in insulting her by deciding to attend the new Parliament building inauguration," Mishra said.

The non-BJP parties have demanded that the new Parliament House be inaugurated by President Murmu and not Prime Minister Modi.

"By taking the decision, Patnaik has proved that he will always abide by what Modi desires," Mishra said.

Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee president Sarat Pattnayak alleged that BJD has been appeasing BJP and Modi as most of its leaders are "neck deep in corruption" and involved in chit fund and other scams.

"BJD says yes to Modi fearing the CBI and ED," he said.

While at least 19 political parties, including Congress have decided to boycott the mega event, around 16 others including BJD have voiced their readiness to take part in the launch ceremony. The regional party described the proposed event as "momentous" and announced its decision to take part in it.

Rejecting Mishra's allegation, senior BJD leader and MLA Amar Prasad Satpathy accused Congress of doing politics over a 'non-issue'. He also raised questions over Congress' role during the Presidential election.

The Congress along with NCP and TMC among other opposition parties had opposed the candidature of Murmu for the country's topmost post and had supported Yashwant Sinha, a former union minister.

Meanwhile, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has welcomed BJD's decision and said all those who have faith in democracy should attend the inauguration of the new Parliament building.

"Not any one political party, but all had fought for the country's Independence," he said mocking Congress.

"Those who believe in democracy should be present on the occasion. It is a good decision by BJD," Pradhan said.