NEW DELHI, AUGUST 15: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi did not attend the official Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort, marking the third consecutive year the senior opposition leaders have missed the national ceremony. The decision followed ongoing disagreements regarding official seating arrangements and protocol protocol for the event.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the 80th Independence Day celebrations from the ramparts of the Red Fort, where he unfurled the national flag and addressed the nation.
The seating protocol dispute previously emerged when Rahul Gandhi, holding Cabinet minister rank as Leader of Opposition, was positioned in the second-last row during the ceremony. Congress leaders maintained that standard protocol requires the Leader of Opposition to be accorded a prominent front-row position during major state functions.
Officials from the Defence Ministry shared historical seating details with the Congress regarding former Leaders of Opposition, noting that seating assignments adhered to established guidelines and accommodated special guests, including felicitated Olympians.
Congress sources stated that the provided explanations remained unsatisfactory. Furthermore, concerns were raised regarding accessibility for Mallikarjun Kharge, who serves as the Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha.
Ruling party representatives criticized the absence of the opposition leadership from the official proceedings. BJP leader R.P. Singh questioned the accessibility arguments cited by the opposition, noting that party leaders routinely navigate public and parliamentary venues.
Instead of attending the Red Fort ceremony, Congress leadership participated in Independence Day observances at the party headquarters, Indira Bhawan, where the national flag was unfurled alongside party workers and leaders.
