Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, and Mallikarjun Kharge, his Rajya Sabha counterpart, skipped Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day address at the Red Fort on Friday, August 15, sparking sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The ruling party labeled their absence as “disrespect” to the Prime Minister’s Office, the national flag, and the theme of this year’s celebration—Operation Sindoor.

BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla accused Rahul Gandhi of boycotting a national event due to political differences, terming it an act of “Desh & Sena Virodh.” He also linked the move to Congress’s earlier criticism of Operation Sindoor, citing Gandhi’s past remarks questioning the number of Indian aircraft lost and the role of foreign mediation in the operation’s ceasefire. According to the BJP, their absence sends a wrong message and undermines the armed forces while encouraging adversaries like Pakistan.

Operation Sindoor, the official theme of this year’s Independence Day celebrations, was highlighted in the event invitations. BJP leaders argued that Congress’s no-show reflects a continuing pattern of abstention from what the party perceives as politicised government functions.

Meanwhile, the Congress shared photos of Rahul Gandhi and Kharge hoisting the national flag at Indira Bhawan in New Delhi, streaming the ceremony live on social media. Sources in the party attributed the decision partly to past issues over seating arrangements at the Red Fort event. In 2024, Rahul Gandhi attended the ceremony but was seated behind other dignitaries, prompting internal objections. The Defence Ministry later clarified that front-row seats were reserved for Olympians being honoured.

Congress leaders further criticized certain portions of PM Modi’s speech referencing the Emergency and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, saying these remarks politicised the occasion. They reiterated that Independence Day should remain a non-partisan national celebration, not a platform for political messaging.