Congress hits out at Naveen Patnaik for joining new Parliament inauguration, BJD responds

"What is more disturbing is that Patnaik, who had described President Droupadi Murmu as his sister and daughter of the soil during the presidential election last year, has now joined BJP in insulting her by deciding to attend the new Parliament building inauguration," Mishra said.

The non-BJP parties have demanded that the new Parliament House be inaugurated by President Murmu and not Prime Minister Modi.

Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee president Sarat Pattnayak alleged that BJD has been appeasing BJP and Modi as most of its leaders are "neck deep in corruption" and involved in chit fund and other scams. BJD says yes to Modi fearing the CBI and ED, he said.

While at least 19 political parties, including Congress have decided to boycott the mega event, around 16 others including BJD have voiced their readiness to take part in the launch ceremony. The regional party described the proposed event as "momentous" and announced its decision to take part in it.

Rejecting Mishra's allegation, senior BJD leader and MLA Amar Prasad Satpathy accused Congress of doing politics over a non-issue'. He also raised questions over Congress' role during the Presidential election. The Congress along with NCP and TMC among other opposition parties had opposed the candidature of Murmu for the country's topmost post and had supported Yashwant Sinha, a former union minister.

Meanwhile, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has welcomed BJD's decision and said all those who have faith in democracy should attend the inauguration of the new Parliament building. Not any one political party, but all had fought for the country's Independence," he said mocking Congress. "Those who believe in democracy should be present on the occasion. It is a good decision by BJD, Pradhan said.