New Delhi: The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders termed the boycott of President Ram Nath Kovind's address to Parliament by the Opposition as "unfortunate" while the Opposition leaders said that they boycotted the address to register their protest against farm laws, not to insult President Kovind and demanded a repeal of the laws.
Shiv Pratap Shukla, Member of Parliament while speaking to ETV Bharat said that today's Budget Session began with the President's address, but it is "really unfortunate that the entire Opposition boycotted it."
"The President is above political differences. He is the Constitutional head. Respecting him in his address is a healthy practice of democracy. It is unfortunate that the Opposition, especially the Congress, which governed this country for 50 years, boycotted it. What tradition are they establishing?" he asked.
"They are shredding the dignity of democracy. In the Parliamentary system, President has his own dignity and boycotting his address is insulting him," Shukla said on being asked about Opposition parties announcing their boycott of the President's address at Parliament.
Meanwhile, Opposition leaders said that they are determined to win and demanded a repeal of the laws.
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