New Delhi, August 15, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi were absent from the 80th Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort on Saturday, marking the second consecutive year that the two Congress leaders did not attend the ceremony led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Kharge and Rahul Gandhi had also stayed away from last year’s Independence Day event, drawing attention amid continued political differences between the government and Opposition.
Rahul Gandhi’s seating arrangement at the 2024 Independence Day ceremony had sparked a controversy. Despite holding the post of Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and enjoying Cabinet ministerial status, he was seated in the second-last row. The Opposition had criticised the arrangement as disrespectful to the Congress leader.
The Defence Ministry, which was responsible for organising the event, had said the seating arrangement was changed to accommodate Olympians attending the ceremony. As per established protocol, the Leader of Opposition is generally seated in the front row at major ceremonial functions.
The latest absence comes amid heightened political tensions between the BJP-led government and Opposition parties following the Monsoon Session of Parliament, which concluded on Thursday.
The session witnessed repeated disruptions, with the government and Opposition blaming each other for the deadlock. Twelve Bills were passed during the session, while detailed discussion was held on only one legislation concerning prevention of paper leaks.
Differences between the ruling and Opposition parties continued after the session, with the Congress, Trinamool Congress and Samajwadi Party boycotting the customary tea party hosted by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla after the House was adjourned sine die.
Earlier on Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the National Flag and addressed the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort as India celebrated its 80th Independence Day.
The flag hoisting was followed by a 21-gun salute. A ceremonial showering of flowers from a helicopter was also conducted as part of the Independence Day celebrations.
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