“It is with some regret that in my capacity as the leader of the loyal opposition in this assembly, I take this moment to mention that while our country celebrates our independence’s Golden Jubilee in the presence of Your Excellency (PM Modi) and many other dignitaries, and that effusive declarations of unity and cooperation amongst our neighbours will necessarily be made, our country remains politically divided at its core, so much so that the opposition will be absent from all ceremonies to mark the occasion,” he said.
