From Our Special Correspondent

Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, May 25: While 20 opposition parties, including Congress, have decided to boycott the inauguration of the new Parliament Building by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and his Andhra Pradesh counterpart Y S Jagan Reddy representing BJP and YSRP, former prime minister and JD(S) supremo H D Deve Gowda has announced his decision to attend.

"Why should I not attend? Is it an office of BJP or RSS? I will participate in the inauguration of the new Sansad Bhavan. It is a property of the entire country and not owned by any individual," he stated during an introspection meeting of the party at the Bengaluru Palace Grounds on Thursday evening.

Gowda emphasized that the parliament building was constructed with taxpayers' money and belongs to the nation. "I will attend as an MP, former Prime Minister, and a proud citizen. It is not an office of BJP or RSS, but a symbol of our country," he declared.

While Gowda acknowledged his political opposition to the BJP on several grounds, he made it clear that he did not want to inject politics into the inauguration of the Sansad Bhavan. He highlighted his previous role as a member of both houses and his adherence to the constitution. "I serve as an MP. I do not want to bring politics into such a democratic event," he stated.

Gowda addressed questions regarding his attendance in relation to the controversy surrounding the inauguration ceremony, where President of India, Draupadi Murmu, was denied the honor and Prime Minister Modi performed the ceremony. "I uphold the constitution and, therefore, I will attend the inauguration of the new parliament house," he affirmed.

The JD(S) supremo expressed his regret over the party's performance in the elections and vowed to work towards its revival and strengthening. "I will serve the party as long as I am alive. I will fight for the party until my last breath," he declared, admitting his deep disappointment with the defeat and emphasizing the need to move forward instead of dwelling on it.

Gowda urged party members and leaders to engage in introspection to identify the reasons for their defeat. Former Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy called on party members to challenge the false promises made by the Congress party and urged the JD(S) to reinvigorate itself.

"While BJP and Congress poured money, JD(S) faced financial constraints and lost in several seats due to limited resources," he noted.

Kumaraswamy emphasized that the fate of the Congress party would be determined not only in the state but across the country in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. "We need to rally ourselves and work for the party," he urged.

The meeting was attended by senior party leaders K. Krishnan Kutti, Thomas, and leaders from various states.