No-Show by Rahul Gandhi, Kharge at Independence Day Event Sparks Protocol Debate

National News: The nation marked its 79th Independence Day with celebrations across the country. At Delhi’s Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unfurled the tricolor and addressed the country, paying tribute to freedom fighters and outlining his government’s vision. However, the absence of two key political figures—Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge—sparked debate.

This year’s event was historic for an unexpected reason: for the first time since India’s independence, the Leaders of Opposition from both Houses did not attend the central Independence Day ceremony. Their absence quickly became a talking point in political circles.

Congress Explains the Decision

Speaking on Aaj Tak, Congress spokesperson Dr. Ajay Upadhyay claimed the decision was linked to protocol issues. He explained that the Leaders of Opposition traditionally hold Cabinet Minister status during such events and are seated in the front row—an arrangement maintained by all governments, regardless of party, from Jawaharlal Nehru’s tenure to Manmohan Singh’s era.

Upadhyay alleged that last year, when Rahul Gandhi attended as Leader of Opposition, he was placed in the last row, breaking a long-standing practice. “This is not about individuals—it is about the respect due to a constitutional office,” he said, adding that both Gandhi and Kharge marked Independence Day elsewhere by hoisting the national flag and participating in celebrations.

‘Not About Politics, But Dignity’

According to Upadhyay, the seating downgrade represented a breach of constitutional dignity. “Any occupant of a constitutional post deserves due respect. If that dignity is undermined, it sends the wrong message,” he noted. He also urged that such occasions remain free of political controversy.

BJP Rejects the Claim

The BJP dismissed the Congress’s argument. Party spokesperson RP Singh questioned whether critics had actually checked this year’s seating arrangements before making allegations. Earlier, BJP’s Shahzad Poonawalla said the Leaders of Opposition have a constitutional responsibility to attend Independence Day events and that skipping them was an abdication of duty.

The disagreement has injected political tension into what is usually a unifying national celebration, with both sides trading accusations over protocol and respect for constitutional positions.