Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge skip Independence Day celebrations again, spark 2024 reminder
The Congress leaders have been skipping the event since 2024 due to a seating row of being placed in the fifth lane as opposed to the traditional front line.
Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge once again missed the Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort, prompting a reminder of the 2024 controversy. This is the second consecutive year the leaders have skipped the event. No party official provided a specific reason for the absence this time, but it is believed to be connected to a disagreement over seating arrangements.
In 2024, Gandhi was seated in the fifth row instead of the front row as tradition dictates for the Leader of Opposition. This sparked criticism over the seating protocol, which was allegedly made to accommodate Olympic medal winners in the front rows. The Congress leadership has long alleged mistreatment of party members at official events, including being seated in lower rows during Republic Day celebrations.
The opposition has accused the BJP of labeling leaders as part of the "dimaagi Naxal" ecosystem during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address. Union Minister Giriraj Singh called the Opposition's decision a childish act, stating that leaders should be present to celebrate the country's independence.
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