Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge Skip Red Fort Independence Day Ceremony, BJP Calls It a ‘Shameful Snub’

On the morning of August 15, 2025, the Red Fort once again became the center of India’s Independence Day celebrations, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisting the tricolour and addressing the nation. But this year’s ceremony carried an unusual political undertone—the conspicuous absence of two of the country’s most prominent opposition leaders: Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge.

Instead of attending the official event, the Congress leaders marked the occasion at their party’s own venues in Delhi. Rahul Gandhi participated in a flag-hoisting ceremony at Indira Bhawan, while Kharge unfurled the national flag at the Congress headquarters, addressing party workers and reaffirming the party’s commitment to democratic ideals.

Independence Day Highlights: ‘Lover of Pakistan…’- BJP attacks Rahul Gandhi for skipping Red Fort event(Rahul Singh) | LiveMint

Possible Reason Behind the No-Show

While the Congress party issued no official statement explaining the decision, political observers and media reports pointed to a lingering grievance from last year’s celebrations. In 2024, Rahul Gandhi was seated far behind the main rows, placed even behind Olympic athletes—a move that, though celebrated as an honor for sportspersons, was viewed by the Congress camp as a breach of political protocol for the Leader of the Opposition.

Sources suggest that this seating arrangement became a point of quiet resentment, influencing Gandhi’s decision to stay away from this year’s ceremony. The absence, however, has opened a new chapter in the ongoing tensions between the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress.

BJP’s Fierce Response

The Bharatiya Janata Party wasted no time in turning the absence into a political talking point. National spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla took to X (formerly Twitter), accusing Rahul Gandhi of disrespecting both the Constitution and the armed forces. He went as far as calling Gandhi a “Lover of Pakistan,” branding the no-show as “shameful behaviour” unbecoming of a leader who aspires to govern the country.

The BJP’s sharp response not only targeted Gandhi’s personal choice but also questioned the Congress party’s commitment to national traditions. For the ruling party, the Independence Day ceremony at the Red Fort is not just a government event—it is a unifying national ritual that transcends political divisions.

Messages from the Congress Leaders

From their respective venues, both Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge used the day to reiterate their vision for India. Gandhi’s Independence Day message, shared on social media, framed the freedom struggle as a living responsibility. He called on citizens to uphold the values of truth, equality, and fraternity, and to protect the dignity of the democratic heritage earned through sacrifice. Ending with a rousing “Jai Hind, Jai Bharat,” his statement sought to place the Congress in moral alignment with the nation’s founding ideals.

Kharge’s address was equally anchored in constitutional principles. He urged Indians to renew their commitment to the values of freedom, justice, equality, and fraternity—pillars that he said remain essential to safeguarding India’s democracy. His tone was solemn, placing the day’s significance above partisan conflict.

Political and Symbolic Implications

Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort are more than ceremonial—they are deeply symbolic, reinforcing the unity of the nation. For the Leader of the Opposition to be absent sends a message, intentional or not, that resonates far beyond protocol disputes. Critics argue that skipping the event diminishes the spirit of non-partisan respect for the nation’s milestones, while supporters see it as a protest against perceived political sidelining.

This year’s developments also highlight the shifting nature of political engagement in India. Opposition leaders increasingly use alternative platforms—party headquarters, social media—to connect with citizens, bypassing state-led events that they feel are politically stage-managed. However, such choices inevitably invite public debate about the balance between political dissent and national solidarity.

Conclusion

The decision by Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge to skip the Red Fort Independence Day ceremony has sparked a war of words between the Congress and the BJP, reflecting the deepening rift in India’s political landscape. Whether rooted in protocol grievances or political strategy, their absence from one of the nation’s most unifying events has stirred questions about the role of the opposition in moments of national importance.

As the dust settles, the incident leaves behind an uneasy aftertaste—a reminder that in today’s India, even the celebration of freedom can become a contested political battlefield. The choice to participate or abstain from such national rituals is no longer just ceremonial—it is a statement, one that the public and history will interpret in the years to come.

(Sources: News18, LiveMint, Hindustan Times)