The BJP has criticized Opposition leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge for their absence at the main Independence Day celebrations at Red Fort in Delhi. The ceremony, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the national flag and addressed the nation, is a key annual event. A BJP spokesperson labeled their absence as “shameful behaviour” and questioned their patriotism.
BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla took to X, stating, “Congress spokesperson in TV debate with me just now confirmed that ‘LoP’ Rahul Gandhi skipped 15th August Program at Red Fort. This was a national celebration but sadly Lover of Pakistan Rahul Gandhi – in Modi virodh does Desh & Sena Virodh! Shameful behaviour. Is this Sanvidhan and Sena ka Samman?”
Congress Celebrations at Indira Bhavan
Despite their absence from the Red Fort, both Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge observed Independence Day with their party. They attended a flag-hoisting ceremony at Indira Bhavan in Delhi, where the Congress president unfurled the national flag. The event saw the participation of numerous Congress workers and senior leaders.
Both leaders extended their greetings to the nation on India’s 79th Independence Day. Kharge urged citizens to “honour the legacy of the national movement by continuing the struggle for constitutional rights, social justice, economic empowerment, and national unity.”
Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, emphasized that independence is a commitment to “building a nation founded on truth, equality, and brotherhood.” He added, “It is the duty of all of us to protect the pride and honor of this precious heritage. Jai Hind, Jai Bharat!”
Last Year’s Seating Controversy
The BJP’s criticism comes a year after a controversy surrounding Rahul Gandhi’s seating arrangement at the Red Fort’s Independence Day program. In 2024, Gandhi was seated in a back row of the VIP section, an arrangement criticized by the Opposition as an insult to the people.
Government officials explained that the seating was adjusted to accommodate Olympic medal winners who were special guests. The Leader of the Opposition, who holds a Cabinet-minister status, is typically seated in the front row. This incident was notable as it was the first Independence Day program since 2014 to have a designated LoP in the Lok Sabha.