"Repeat offender in disrespecting democratic traditions": BJP's Kesavan slams Rahul Gandhi for skipping CJI's oath-taking ceremony

New Delhi [India], November 24 : Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National Spokesperson CR Kesavan on Minday accused the Congress party and the Leader of Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, for his absence at the oath-taking ceremony of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, asserting that the LoP unceremoniously boycotted the ceremony.
The BJP leader asserted that Rahul Gandhi is a repeat offender in disrespecting democratic traditions, and that this is not the first time he has skipped important ceremonies.
BJP National Spokesperson CR Kesavan said, "LoP Rahul Gandhi unceremoniously boycotting the oath-taking ceremony of the new Chief Justice of India clearly exposes the contempt he has for the constitutional process and the deep disregard he harbours against Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar's constitution. Rahul Gandhi is a repeat offender when it comes to disrespecting our democratic traditions, and this is not the first time he skipped important ceremonies."
"Instead of LoP, it would be best to describe Rahul Gandhi as a leader of partying or a leader of tourism. The people of India will give a befitting reply to the arrogant politics of Rahul Gandhi," he added.
BJP's Shahnawaz Hussain also slammed Rahul Gandhi, questioning whether the Lok Sabha's Leader of Opposition is aware of his position and the protocols he must follow.
"Rahul Gandhi holds a constitutional position and is the Leader of the Opposition. This is a huge responsibility. There were many in the Congress party who were more capable and educated than him. There are many leaders like Shashi Tharoor and Manish Tewari who could have become the Leader of the Opposition, but Rahul Gandhi became the Leader of the Opposition on the basis of his family name, yet he is unwilling to shoulder even a single responsibility. Even when the swearing-in ceremony for the constitutional post of Chief Justice of India is taking place, Rahul Gandhi is missing," Hussain said.
"Where is Rahul Gandhi? Is he joining the party? Does Rahul Gandhi not realise that he holds a constitutional position and that the Leader of the Opposition must be present at such a ceremony? Congress members do not know how to remain in power and do not know how to play the role of the opposition. Rahul Gandhi's absence today is a matter of great concern," he added.
Further, Shahnawaz Hussain said that the framers of the Constitution never expected such an irresponsible person to become the Leader of the Opposition. "Rahul Gandhi has free time to party and travel to Colombia and Malaysia, but his absence from the Vice President's swearing-in ceremony, Independence Day celebrations, and the swearing-in ceremony of the Chief Justice of India sends the wrong message."
He later said that India is a democratic country, and the Leader of the Opposition holds great importance there. "Still, Gandhi is undermining the dignity of the Leader of the Opposition's position."
Chief Justice Surya Kant assumed charge as the 53rd Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of India after taking the oath from President Droupadi Murmu on Monday morning.
President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath of office at Rashtrapati Bhavan in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and several other senior Cabinet ministers, retired Chief Justices of India, and a large number of sitting judges from the Supreme Court and various High Courts.