Daijiworld Media Network- New Delhi

New Delhi, Aug 15: In a political twist on the nation’s 79th Independence Day, Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, along with party president Mallikarjun Kharge, skipped the ceremonial celebrations at Delhi’s historic Red Fort on Friday, sparking speculations over their absence.

While neither leader issued an official clarification, party sources hinted that Rahul Gandhi remained upset over last year’s seating arrangement, where he was placed in the second last row — a move the Congress termed a breach of tradition and protocol.

Both leaders, however, marked the occasion by paying tributes to freedom fighters on social media. “This freedom, achieved through sacrifices of great patriots, is our resolve to build an India rooted in truth, equality, respect, and brotherhood. It is our duty to safeguard this priceless heritage. Jai Hind, Jai Bharat!” Rahul Gandhi posted.

Kharge, in his message, called Independence Day a moment to “rededicate ourselves to the values of Freedom, Justice, Equality and Fraternity cherished by our Democracy.” Kharge attended celebrations at the Congress headquarters, while Rahul Gandhi was present at Indira Bhawan in the capital.

The absence drew sharp criticism from the BJP. Party national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla accused Rahul Gandhi of “putting Modi-virodh over Desh and Sena samman.” In a post on X, he wrote, “This was a national celebration, but sadly ‘Lover of Pakistan’ Rahul Gandhi skipped the Red Fort event. Shameful behaviour.”

Last year’s row over Gandhi’s seating saw the Opposition accuse the government of insulting the Leader of Opposition, while the Defence Ministry maintained the arrangement was altered to honour Olympic medalists. Notably, Union Ministers Amit Shah and Nirmala Sitharaman were seated in the front row, while Gandhi was placed behind Indian Olympians including shooters Manu Bhaker, Sarabjot Singh and hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh.

This year too, the Congress dismissed the Defence Ministry’s protocol explanation. “While Olympians deserve all respect, how do Cabinet Ministers get front row seats ahead of them?” questioned Congress leader KC Venugopal.