Several prominent leaders of the INDIA bloc and key Opposition parties maintained distance from the swearing-in ceremony of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Cabinet, displaying unity and leaving message of strong opposition.

However, Congress president Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge attended the oath ceremony as the Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha and representative of the INDIA bloc. But Kharge did not miss the opportunity to criticise the previous Modi Government of insulting the Opposition.

"We are attending this ceremony because we have a constitutional responsibility. As the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, I am attending this event. Everyone knows the attitude of this government; they have always insulted the Opposition. But as the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, I am fulfilling this responsibility." An invite was reportedly sent to Kharge and Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi for the ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, here.

West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress Supremo Mamata Banerjee did not attend the oath ceremony as she said that the government is being formed "illegally and undemocratically".

While, another prominent leader from the INDIA bloc and 'Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar' chief Sharad Pawar also skipped the ceremony as he has attended the extended working committee meeting of NCP (SP) in Mumbai.

Also Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leaders did not attend the ceremony as party leader Manoj Jha stated on Sunday that this time it is an NDA government taking oath, not a "Modi government," and expressed hope that the ruling coalition will address issues such as employment.

Other Opposition parties like Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin led-DMK, Aam Aadmi Party and Shiv Sena (UBT) also skipped the event.