Absence Sparks Independence Day Row
India’s 79th Independence Day celebrations were overshadowed by a political controversy after senior Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge skipped the official Red Fort event, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a record 103-minute address. Instead, they hoisted the national flag at Indira Bhawan, prompting sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and a wider debate on patriotism, protocol, and political intent.

Flag Hoisting Amid Rain at Indira Bhawan
At Indira Bhawan, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, joined by other senior party figures, unfurled the tricolour before a crowd of party workers. Braving the rain, both leaders paid tribute to the freedom fighters. Gandhi posted on social media, emphasising the duty to preserve India’s truth, fairness, and unity. Kharge urged citizens to defend their rights and work for justice, economic strength, and solidarity.

Seating Row from 2024 Resurfaces
While the Congress has not officially explained the absence, speculation points to last year’s seating controversy, when Rahul Gandhi was placed in the fifth row during the Red Fort celebrations. The Defence Ministry claimed the arrangement was to accommodate Olympic medalists, but Congress leaders called the explanation unconvincing, questioning why ministers were seated ahead of him if the aim was purely to honour athletes.

BJP Accuses Congress of Disrespect
The BJP slammed the decision as disrespectful to the nation and the armed forces. A party spokesperson wrote on X (formerly Twitter) that Rahul Gandhi’s absence showed disdain for the country and echoed their accusation of him being “soft” on Pakistan. The BJP also alleged that Congress boycotted the event to avoid endorsing Modi’s praise of the Army’s recent operations.

Congress Defends Decision, Cites Politicisation
In response, Congress leaders said the Red Fort function under the BJP had become more about political grandstanding than national unity. They criticised Modi’s Independence Day speech for containing partisan remarks, insisting their separate flag-hoisting was a symbolic protest. This is not the first time the party has skipped major national events, claiming they have been turned into showcases for the ruling party rather than inclusive national commemorations.

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