Modi, the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the pacific nation in 33 years, is due to address Fiji's parliament tomorrow. But the opposition SODEPLA leader, Ro Teimumu Kepa said that Government has withdrawn it's decision for the opposition to move the vote of thanks in Parliament tomorrow.
In turn, the fifteen SODELPA members in Fiji's new Parliament said they will not attend the parliamentary sitting during which Modi will give his speech, Fijione reported.
The Opposition is also disappointed that the Chiefs have been excluded from the traditional welcome ceremony for Prime Minister Modi compared to what was accorded to Indira Gandhi during her visit in 1981.
Modi will be the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Fiji since Indira Gandhi travelled there in 1981.
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On the other hand, Fijian Government has expressed "extreme disappointment" over SODELPA's decision to boycott the meeting planned for Modi.
"This visit is a national event, not a political one. It is an opportunity for our nation to engage the leader of the world's largest democracy and one of Fiji's most important international partners in discussions that are critical for Fiji's future," the government said in a statement.
Obviously, the government has primary responsibility for the visit and the official discussions, but it has taken care to ensure that Modi experiences a visit with all the people of Fiji, it added.
"SODELPA's position is an insult to the people of Ba and all Fijians. The members of SODELPA have put their own political agenda ahead of the national interest. At this time, all Fijians should be united in putting our best foot forward," the statement said.
Unfortunately, SODELPA has passed up another opportunity to show that it can rise above petty politics and work for the national good. The burden is on SODELPA to show that it think beyond its own agenda, show true leadership, and focus on what is good for the nation, it said.