New Delhi: The BJP on Saturday downplayed any misgiving over the invitation to Saarc leaders to PM-designate Narendra Modi’s swearing-in ceremony and said the event is to showcase the strength of India’s democracy and it should not be viewed through the prism of bilateral issues.
“The invitation to all leaders of Saarc nations is to showcase Indian democracy and its strength to the world at large. It should not be viewed through the prism of bilateral issues between countries,” BJP leader Arun Jaitley said.
Invitation to Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif and Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse had raised eyebrows, with the Congress saying it was not the right time for holding talks with Pakistan and several Tamil parties asking the BJP to rethink on inviting the Sri Lankan President.
Mr Jaitley said the fact that India’s neighbours will be represented “reaffirms India’s faith in both democracy and greater integration of the region”. He said the LS polls has been a great celebration of Indian democracy and the swearing-in ceremony will be culmination of these celebrations before the new government gets down to work.
Meanwhile, reactions in Congress varied from caution to commendation over Mr Sharif’s acceptance of the invitation.
While Digvijay Singh hailed the decision to invite Mr Sharif as a “positive change in Modi” compared to the “quite contrary” things he had been saying earlier, Congress spokesperson Shashi Tharoor said that the party feels that there is “no basis for substantive talks” at the moment between the two countries.
Meanwhile, Key NDA constituent Shiv Sena, which has been vocal against Pakistan for “sponsoring” terrorism in India, on Saturday chose to remain mum on Nawaz Sharif accepting the invite to attend Mr Modi’s swearing-in ceremony.
Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut declined to comment when asked about his party’s reaction to Sharif’s decision.
Opposing invitation to Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa for Narendra Modis swearing-in ceremony, BJP ally MDMK on Saturday announced a black flag demonstration against the head of the island republic in Delhi on May 26.
MDMK chief Vaiko compared his situation to that of the anti-Hindi agitation launched by DMK under its founder, late C.N. Annadurai.
