Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge skip Red Fort Independence Day event

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi skipped the 80th Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort for the second consecutive year. The absence stems from a long-standing dispute regarding ceremonial protocols and seating arrangements. While the Leader of Opposition holds a rank equivalent to a Union Cabinet Minister, previous ceremonies saw Gandhi seated in lower rows, which the Congress party characterized as an insult to the office.

The Defence Ministry has previously defended such arrangements, stating they were adjusted to accommodate visiting Olympic athletes. In response to the absence, leaders from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) criticized the move, suggesting it reflects resentment toward Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Separately, a legal complaint was filed against Sonia Gandhi following an Independence Day event at the AICC headquarters. The complaint alleges she showed disrespect toward the national song, ‘Vande Mataram’, through certain gestures during its rendition. Meanwhile, Mallikarjun Kharge used his own Independence Day address to criticize the current administration, arguing that the government lacks the vision to drive national progress and is attempting to take credit for historical developments initiated by the Congress party.