On August 15, during India’s 79th Independence Day celebrations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered his address from the Red Fort, yet the notable absence of Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge drew sharp criticism from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The BJP described the absence as a “disrespectful” act toward the Prime Minister, the national flag, and this year’s official theme, Operation Sindoor. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla, in a post on X, accused Rahul Gandhi of boycotting a national celebration due to political opposition, labeling it “Desh & Sena Virodh” — opposition to the nation and armed forces. The party cited Gandhi’s earlier remarks questioning the number of Indian aircraft lost during Operation Sindoor and the role of foreign mediation in the ceasefire, linking the absence to Congress’s repeated criticism of the military operation.
This year’s Independence Day invitations prominently highlighted Operation Sindoor, aimed at honoring India’s armed forces and celebrating the retaliatory strikes following the Pahalgam terror attack. BJP leaders argued that Congress leaders’ absence sent the wrong message, potentially undermining national security achievements and emboldening adversaries.
In response, Congress shared images and a live broadcast of Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge unfurling the national flag at their party headquarters in Indira Bhawan, New Delhi. Congress sources explained that prior disagreements over seating arrangements influenced the decision. During the 2024 Red Fort event, Gandhi attended but was seated behind other dignitaries, causing internal objections. The Defence Ministry later clarified that front-row seats were reserved for Olympians being honored, which Congress cited as a reason for abstaining this year.
Congress leaders also positioned their absence within a broader context of avoiding what they consider politicized government events. The party had earlier skipped the groundbreaking and inauguration of the new Parliament building and the Ram Mandir consecration ceremony in Ayodhya, citing these as BJP-led political spectacles rather than inclusive national occasions.
Further, Congress criticized specific portions of Prime Minister Modi’s Independence Day speech — references to the Emergency and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) — as political commentary that detracted from the non-partisan nature of Independence Day. Party officials emphasized that their alternative observance at the headquarters reflected respect for national pride while maintaining political neutrality.
