Sitting Controversy: The country is celebrating 80th Independence Day today. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort in Delhi and participated in the independence celebrations. But Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi were not seen in this national function. There is intense discussion in political circles regarding both the leaders not attending the program for the second consecutive year.
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Reason for Rahul-Kharge's displeasure
In fact, the seating arrangement is believed to be the main reason behind Congress leaders staying away from the function. According to sources, Congress is angry that the opposition leaders were not treated as per protocol at the Red Fort ceremony. The controversy started in the year 2024. During that time, Rahul Gandhi was seen sitting in the back row at the Independence Day celebrations of the Red Fort. Congress raised questions on this arrangement and said it was not in accordance with the constitutional protocol and the post of the leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha.
Congress's anger did not stop despite Defense Ministry's clarification
At that time, the Defense Ministry had clarified that the seating arrangement was changed to make space for the Olympic players. However, Congress's anger on this issue did not end. Now, with Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge not attending the function for the second consecutive year, the political distance between the government and the opposition is once again in the news.
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This matter has come to light at a time when the monsoon session of Parliament has also ended recently. During this period, there were sharp disputes between the government and the opposition on many issues. A total of 12 bills were passed during the session and both the ruling party and the opposition accused each other regarding the functioning. After the end of the session, the traditional tea program organized by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla was also boycotted by some opposition parties including Congress. In such a situation, the absence of Rahul Gandhi and Kharge from the Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort is being seen not just as a distance from a program, but as another sign of growing political differences between the government and the opposition. However, Independence Day is the national festival of the entire country and on this occasion the message of rising above political differences is given to strengthen the unity and democratic traditions of the country.