Congress’ top leaders, Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, skipped Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day address at the Red Fort. As a result, a fresh political row erupted.
BJP Slams the Move
The BJP immediately called their absence a “disrespect” to the Prime Minister, the national flag, and especially to the Operation Sindoor theme of this year’s celebration.
Meanwhile, Congress released pictures of Rahul and Kharge unfurling the national flag at the party headquarters in Indira Bhawan.
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Recalling Last Year’s Seating Controversy
Rahul had attended the Red Fort event last year. However, that visit sparked its own controversy. Congress leaders claimed the organisers insulted him by seating him in the back row.
In response, the Defence Ministry explained that the front rows were reserved for Olympians being honoured, not to target the Leader of Opposition.
Congress’ Pattern of Avoiding PM Events
Over the years, Congress has skipped several key events led by PM Modi. They stayed away from the bhoomi pujan of the new Parliament building and its inauguration. They also boycotted the Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha, arguing it was a BJP-driven event rather than a religious occasion.
BJP Hits Back Over ‘Operation Sindoor’ Remarks
In addition, the BJP attacked Congress over Rahul’s remarks on Operation Sindoor. He questioned “how many Indian jets fell or was it the Pakistani jet; who asked for the ceasefire and was it dictated by America.” The BJP accused Congress of using language that emboldens Pakistan and undermines India’s national interest.
Congress Criticises PM’s Speech
This year’s Operation Sindoor theme made their absence more politically charged. Moreover, Congress objected to PM Modi’s references to the RSS and the Emergency in his speech. They accused him of turning a national day into a political event.
Therefore, party leaders said they saw “no point in attending an event which is political and less about nationalism.”