'Why not first row?': Republic Day parade seating row returns as Congress flags 3rd-row seats

A political controversy erupted during India’s 77th Republic Day parade after Congress leaders raised objections to the seating of Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi. Footage from Kartavya Path showed senior BJP leader and Union minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan seated in a front row, while Gandhi was placed in the third row, prompting criticism from the opposition.

Congress MP Tariq Anwar described the arrangement as “deeply unfortunate,” stressing that the Leader of the Opposition traditionally holds a senior protocol status. Drawing parallels with the British parliamentary system, he called the post equivalent to a “shadow prime minister” and accused the government of ignoring established democratic conventions.

Further criticism came from Congress general secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala and Rajya Sabha MP Vivek Tankha, who highlighted the seating of both Rahul Gandhi and party president Mallikarjun Kharge as a “lack of protocol and decorum.” Congress alleged that the move reflects growing marginalisation of opposition leaders at official state events.

Officials clarified that seating at the Republic Day parade follows the Warrant of Precedence, which ranks dignitaries by constitutional or official position, not political affiliation. Leaders of the Opposition are accorded senior status among political leaders but rank below the President, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Union cabinet ministers. Row allocation can vary based on logistics, security, and total dignitaries present.

This is not the first time seating arrangements at national events have sparked debate. In previous years, Congress has raised objections over Rahul Gandhi’s placement during Republic Day and Independence Day ceremonies. Officials have consistently maintained that protocol, security, and event logistics dictate seating arrangements rather than political considerations.