Mallikarjun Kharge To Attend Modi's Swearing-In Ceremony

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge will attend Narendra Modi's swearing-in ceremony today in his official role as the Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha.

This decision came after discussions with several leaders from the INDIA bloc. However, TMC, another key member of the INDIA bloc, has decided to opt out of the event, reported NDTV.

Kharge said that the Lok Sabha election results is a "decisive rejection" of the politics of hate and divisiveness peddled by BJP.

Photo Credit: PTI Photo

"We could not repeat our performance in states where we had previously done well in Vidhan Sabha elections and formed the government," he said. "We have to take urgent remedial measures."

Meanwhile, the Congress Working Committee yesterday recommended Rahul Gandhi for the role of Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha. Although Rahul Gandhi has not yet made a decision, Sonia Gandhi has been confirmed as the chairperson of the Congress Parliamentary Party.

"Rahul Gandhi is the best person to lead this campaign inside the Parliament, this is what the CWC's view was...the entire CWC feels for a better and strong vigilant Opposition, those who want to protect the Constitution also, should be safe under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi as a Leader of Opposition, this is what the CWC resolution is. Rahul Gandhi said he respects the sentiments of the CWC members and told them that he would take a decision on it very soon," said Congress general secretary KC Venugopal.

Modi will be sworn-in as Prime Minister for the third consecutive term. However, this term will be more of a coalition government, following two previous terms where BJP held an independent majority.

The oath ceremony is expected to have significant international representation, including dignitaries such as Sri Lanka President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, Seychelles Vice-President Ahmed Afif, Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina, Mauritian PM Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, Nepal PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda', and Bhutanese PM Tshering Tobgay.