Published 20:28 IST, January 24th 2020
CPI MP declines Republic Day invite, says Bolsonaro's actions against Constitution's ethos
CPI Rajya Sabha MP Binoy Viswam wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi declining the invitation to attend the Republic Day celebrations as a sign of protest.
- India News
- 3 min read
On Friday, CPI Rajya Sabha MP Binoy Viswam wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi declining the invitation to attend the Republic Day celebrations as a sign of protest. Expressing his bewilderment at Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro being chosen as the chief guest at this year’s Republic Day parade, Viswam alleged that his ideology was deep-rooted in misogyny and discrimination. Moreover, he contended that Bolsonaro’s actions were against the ethos of the Constitution which is celebrated on Republic Day.
Bolsonaro lands in Delhi
Earlier in the day, Bolsonaro landed in the national capital ahead of the Republic Day celebrations. He was welcomed at the tarmac by V Muraleedharan- MoS, Ministry of External Affairs. This will be the third occasion on which a Brazilian president will grace the Republic Day parade after 1996 and 2004.
Bolsonaro's controversial statements
Bolsonaro’s visit has come under scrutiny because of his controversial comments on a range of issues. For instance, in 2014, he told the opposition leader Maria do Rosario in Brazil’s Parliament, "I wouldn't rape you because you're not worthy of it”. Despite facing vehement criticism, he did not apologise and added that he would not rape her because she was "ugly". He also referred to refugees as “scums of the earth” in 2015. Way back in 2002, Bolsonaro was quoted as saying, "I won’t fight against it nor discriminate. But if I see two men kissing each other on the street, I’ll beat them up”. Critics also panned his alleged misogyny in a speech delivered in 2017 where he stated, "I have five children. Four are men, and then in a moment of weakness the fifth came out a girl”.
Updated 20:28 IST, January 24th 2020