India’s newly elected lawmakers took the oath of office, but two government critics were unable to participate due to being jailed on national security charges.
One is Sikh separatist Amritpal Singh, and the other is Sheikh Abdul Rashid, a former state legislator in Indian-occupied Kashmir.
Rashid, arrested for alleged terror funding and money laundering, awaits his bail hearing on July 1.
Meanwhile, Singh’s family has no information on his release. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called out Rashid’s name during oath-taking in parliament, seeking consensus with the opposition.
Gandhi Appointed as Parliamentary Leader of Opposition
Rahul Gandhi was named the Leader of Opposition in India’s lower house after a decade, aiming to hold the government accountable.
Modi’s BJP faced electoral setbacks, leading to a coalition government. Gandhi, facing politically-driven cases, represents the Congress party’s legacy in Indian politics.
Despite legal challenges, Gandhi vows to protect the constitution and fulfill his duty as a patriotic Indian.