Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge Skip Red Fort Independence Day Event; BJP Criticizes Absence Amid Operation Sindoor Theme

Delhi: On Friday, August 15, the nation witnessed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 79th Independence Day address from the Red Fort, yet the absence of Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge drew sharp criticism from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The BJP described their non-attendance as a “disrespectful” gesture toward the Prime Minister, the national flag, and this year’s Independence Day theme, Operation Sindoor. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla, in a post on X, accused Rahul Gandhi of boycotting a national celebration due to political opposition, terming it “Desh & Sena Virodh” — opposition to the nation and the armed forces. The party also cited Gandhi’s prior remarks questioning the number of Indian aircraft lost during Operation Sindoor and the role of foreign mediation, linking Congress’s absence to repeated criticism of the military operation.

The Independence Day invitations this year prominently highlighted Operation Sindoor as the official theme, intended to honor India’s armed forces and celebrate the successful retaliatory strikes following the Pahalgam terror attack. BJP leaders argued that Congress leaders’ absence sent a message undermining national security achievements and emboldening adversaries.

In response, the Congress shared images and a live broadcast of Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge unfurling the national flag at the party headquarters in Indira Bhawan, New Delhi, on social media. Congress sources explained that past disagreements over Independence Day 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 honoured, which the Congress highlighted as a reason for abstaining this year.

Congress leaders also framed their absence as part of a broader pattern 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.

Additionally, Congress pointed to specific portions of the Prime Minister’s Independence Day speech — references to the Emergency and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) — as political commentary detracting from the non-partisan spirit of Independence Day celebrations. Party officials asserted that their alternative observance at the party headquarters reflected a focus on national pride while maintaining political neutrality.

The episode highlights the growing politicization of national events, as the country balances ceremonial respect for Independence Day with underlying partisan tensions. Analysts note that such absences may deepen political divides but also underline the enduring significance of these public addresses in shaping national discourse and party narratives ahead of future elections.