BJP calls Rahul Gandhi, Kharge 'lover of Pakistan' for skipping Independence day event

Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge did not attend the Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort on Friday, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the national flag and addressed the nation. Both leaders marked the occasion at separate Congress events in Delhi, with Mr Kharge unfurling the national flag at the party headquarters and Mr Gandhi attending a ceremony at Indira Bhavan.

The Bharatiya Janata Party criticised their absence, with party spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla stating, “Congress spokesperson in TV debate with me just now confirmed that ‘LoP’ Rahul Gandhi skipped 15th August Program at Red Fort. This was a national celebration but sadly Lover of Pakistan Rahul Gandhi – in Modi virodh does Desh & Sena Virodh! Shameful behaviour. Is this Sanvidhan and Sena ka Samman?”

On social media, Mr Gandhi wrote, “This freedom, achieved through the sacrifices of great freedom fighters, is a resolve to build an India where justice rests on the foundation of truth and equality, and every heart is filled with respect and brotherhood. It is the duty of all of us to protect the pride and honor of this precious heritage. Jai Hind, Jai Bharat!” Mr Kharge said, “Independence Day is a solemn occasion to rededicate ourselves to values of Freedom, Justice, Equality and Fraternity, cherished by our Democracy.”

Sources indicated Mr Gandhi’s absence may relate to the seating controversy at last year’s Red Fort programme, when he was placed in the fifth row behind Olympic medalists despite the Leader of Opposition traditionally being in the front row. The Defence Ministry stated that the arrangement was made to honour the Paris Olympics 2024 medal winners, noting that some Union Ministers were also seated behind them. Congress leaders disputed the explanation, asking why senior ministers still occupied front row seats.

Last year’s ceremony was the first Independence Day since 2014 with a designated Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition. The seating protocol issue led to political disagreement, with the government citing precedence rules and the Opposition alleging breach of established practice.