Kharge, Rahul Gandhi Skip Red Fort Independence Day Event for Second Year in a Row
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi skipped the Independence Day celebrations led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Red Fort for the second consecutive year. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Their absence comes amid continued tensions between the Congress and the BJP-led government, which further intensified during the recent Monsoon Session of Parliament.
Rahul Gandhi’s Seating Row Controversy in 2024
The absence follows a controversy during the 2024 Independence Day celebrations, when Rahul Gandhi was seated in the second-last row at the Red Fort ceremony.
Gandhi, who is the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and has the status of a Cabinet minister, was seated away from the front row, in what was seen as a departure from established protocol.
The Opposition criticised the seating arrangement and described it as an insult to the people. The Defence Ministry, which organised the event, said the seating plan had been adjusted to accommodate Olympic athletes attending the ceremony.
Under protocol, the Leader of the Opposition is generally seated in the front row during major ceremonial events.
BJP Criticises Absence
Union Minister and BJP leader Giriraj Singh described the absence of Kharge and Gandhi as “unfortunate”.
The development comes at a time when relations between the ruling BJP and the Opposition have become increasingly strained.
Parliament Session Ends Amid Political Tensions
The Monsoon Session of Parliament ended on Thursday after witnessing repeated disruptions and disagreements between the government and Opposition over the functioning of the Houses.
Both sides blamed each other for the low productivity of the session.
The session began on July 20 amid protests, including a demonstration by students near Parliament. A total of 12 bills were passed during the session, while detailed discussion took place on only one — legislation aimed at preventing paper leaks.
The limited legislative debate became another point of contention between the government and the Opposition.
Congress, TMC and SP Boycott Speaker’s Tea Party
The political differences also continued after the Houses were adjourned sine die.
The Congress, along with the Trinamool Congress and Samajwadi Party, boycotted the customary tea party hosted by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.
The decision further highlighted the strained relations between the Opposition parties and the government following the contentious Monsoon Session.
The absence of Kharge and Rahul Gandhi from the Independence Day ceremony therefore comes against the backdrop of growing political differences between the ruling party and Opposition parties.
