Rahul Gandhi misses Independence Day celebration at Red Fort, labeled as "Pakistan lover" by BJP
In a unique turn of events, the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, participated in the Independence Day celebrations differently this year. This marked the first Independence Day programme since Modi took office in 2014 where the Lok Sabha had a designated LoP.
Last year, Rahul Gandhi was seated in the back rows during the Independence Day programme at the Red Fort. This year, due to a reported disagreement with the seating arrangement at the event last year, both Gandhi and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge decided to skip the official celebrations at the Red Fort. Instead, they participated in separate flag-hoisting ceremonies at Congress party locations. Kharge unfurled the national flag at the Congress headquarters, while Rahul Gandhi marked the day at Indira Bhavan, Delhi.
The controversy arose as Rahul Gandhi, as the Leader of Opposition, is usually seated in the front row during ceremonial events. However, this year, the seating arrangements were adjusted to accommodate Olympians attending the event. Defense ministry officials confirmed that the LoP was moved to the last few rows to accommodate the athletes.
Despite their absence from the Red Fort, both leaders paid tribute to freedom fighters via social media and extended heartfelt greetings to citizens on the occasion of India's 79th Independence Day. Rahul Gandhi emphasized the importance of justice, truth, equality, and brotherhood as part of India’s heritage. He also stated that independence is a commitment to building a nation founded on truth, equality, and brotherhood.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, in his message, urged people to honor the legacy of the national movement. He encouraged citizens to uphold the values of unity, peace, and progress that our freedom fighters fought for.
The BJP criticized the leaders' decision to skip the official celebrations, but both leaders have maintained their stance, choosing to celebrate the day in their own way while expressing their commitment to the values that India stands for.
- In light of the adjustment in seating arrangements, forcing Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition, to sit in the last rows during Independence Day celebrations, the government's policy-and-legislation, particularly in matters related to event organization, has become a topic of discussion in politics and general news.
- Amidst the controversy concerning his seating arrangement, Rahul Gandhi took to crime-and-justice issues, emphasizing the importance of justice and truth as part of India’s heritage, and encouraging citizens to uphold the values of equality and brotherhood.
- In the face of criticism from the BJP, Rahul Gandhi and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge continued to stand by their decision to celebrate India's 79th Independence Day away from the Red Fort, holding separate flag-hoisting ceremonies, and highlighting the importance of their unique approach in promoting the general-news values that India strives for within the country's political landscape.
