Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge Skip Independence Day Ceremony for Second Year, BJP Targets Congress
The Congress leaders stayed away after a seating dispute resurfaced, while officials said the arrangement followed the Table of Precedence.
- On Saturday, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi skipped the 80th Independence Day celebrations at Delhi's Red Fort, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the national ceremony.
- This absence marks the second consecutive year for both leaders, following a 2024 controversy where Congress alleged "pettiness" regarding Gandhi's fifth-row seating placement amid a long-running protocol dispute.
- Strained relations between the ruling party and Opposition worsened during the recently concluded Monsoon Session of Parliament, which ended on Thursday, with opposition parties boycotting a tea party hosted by Speaker Birla.
- Defence Secretary RK Singh confirmed on Monday that Gandhi was invited to attend, with his seating to follow the official Table of Precedence; Gandhi did not attend despite the clarification.
- Prime Minister Modi outlined a vision for India to become a Viksit Bharat by 2047 while calling for 33% representation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.
18 Articles
18 Articles
Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge skip Red Fort I-Day event for second year in a row, BJP calls it 'childish'
Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge skipped the Red Fort Independence Day celebrations for the second year in a row. Sources cited protocol and seating concerns, while the BJP criticised their absence.
'Dimagi Naxal mindset': BJP slams Rahul Gandhi for skipping I-Day event at Red Fort
The BJP criticized Rahul Gandhi for missing the official Independence Day event. This marks the second consecutive year he and Mallikarjun Kharge skipped the ceremony. BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari accused Gandhi of reflecting a 'Dimagi Naxal' ecosystem. He alleged this decision showed Gandhi's hatred for Vande Mataram. Bhandari stated Gandhi is unfit to be the Leader of Opposition.
Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge did not attend the Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort. Sources said they were unhappy with the protocol and seating arrangements.
Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge Skip Independence Day Ceremony for Second Year, BJP Targets Congress
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi missed the Independence Day celebrations for the second time, where PM Narendra Modi addressed the nation on Saturday morning. It is the second time when any of Congress party
Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge skip Independence Day celebrations for second consecutive year
Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi skipped the 80th Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort for the second consecutive year. Their absence came amid strained government-Opposition ties and followed disagreements during the Monsoon Session of Parliament.
Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi Skip Independence Day Event For 2nd Straight Year
In 2024, a controversy erupted during the Independence Day celebrations when Rahul Gandhi, who is the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and enjoys the status of a Cabinet minister, sat in the second last row.
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