Opposition leaders under the INDIA Bloc led by Congress took a swipe on Narendra Modi, who took over as Prime Minister for the third consecutive term on Sunday, calling him “the leader of the Narendra Destructive Alliance (NDA)” even though he lacks all legitimacy.
While Congress claimed that Modi has suffered a huge personal, political, and moral defeat, TMC said Modi may have taken oath for a third term, but he does not have a mandate like Jawaharlal Nehru, the only other PM to have three consecutive terms, had.
“A vastly diminished ‘one-third’ Pradhan Mantri, now lacking all legitimacy, has managed to get himself sworn this evening, as the leader of the Narendra Destructive Alliance (NDA),” Congress chief spokesman Jairam Ramesh said.
RJD leader and Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha expressed hope that the ruling dispensation will work on issues such as providing employment. Jha said the RJD will not attend the swearing-in ceremony as the INDIA Bloc was represented by Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge.
“We hope it will create less polarisation in society this time, the lives of the weaker sections are improved and the Government is free of crony capitalism. The biggest requirement of youngsters today is employment, so employment is a big issue, he should work on it,” the RJD leader added.
It is an NDA Government that is taking oath this time and not a “Modi Government”, Manoj Jha said and expressed hope that the ruling dispensation will work on issues such as providing employment.
Newly reelected TMC Lok Sabha MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay said the Government took oath on Sunday “which is okay” according to democratic process.
He said but “our leader Mamata Banerjee (TMC chief and West Bengal Chief Minister) has declared this Government cannot last long”.
Asked about the role the Opposition, rejuvenated by its gains in this election, would play in the functioning of parliament, he said it will be more constructive if floor management happens properly. “The role of the Opposition will be positive. We will make decisions of our own... We are also partners of INDIA Alliance. Floor management, if it happens properly, then the role of Opposition will be more constructive,” he said.
The invite was sent to all the Chief Ministers and political party heads including Mamata and Congress Parliamentary Chief Sonia Gandhi but they did not attend. Left leaders Sitaram Yechury and D Raja said they were not going for the swearing-in ceremony. TMC leader Sagarika Ghosh posted her invitation letter on social media and said she would not be attending the ceremony.
