New Delhi: Congress member of parliament and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge skipped the Independence Day festivities at the Red Fort, for the second consecutive year where Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered his customary address on Saturday, August 15.
While no Congress leader attributed any reason to the leaders' absence this time, India Today, however, quoting an unnamed source said both Rahul Gandhi and Kharge skipped the Independence Day event due to improper protocols. Sources said the seating arrangements and other ceremonial protocols were not in accordance with their positions.
In 2024, Rahul Gandhi, who had been appointed Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha with Cabinet rank, was seated in the fifth row at the Red Fort.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge hoists the National Flag at party headquarters along with chairperson Sonia Gandhi and LoP Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi.
As per the report, the Congress leadership has repeatedly alleged mistreatment of party members at official events, alleging that Gandhi and Kharge had been seated at the third row during this year's Republic Day celebrations as well. The Defence Ministry, however, said the seating arrangement was made to accommodate Olympians attending the ceremony.
Rahul Gandhi and Kharge had also skipped the Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort in 2025.
The Defence Ministry maintained that the seating arrangements at the Republic Day celebrations in 2025 and 2026 were made in accordance with the Table of Precedence.
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