Independence Day Drama: BJP Slams Rahul and Kharge for Skipping Red Fort Celebrations

New Delhi, August 15, 2025:

On the occasion of India’s 78th Independence Day, the annual flag-hoisting ceremony at the Red Fort witnessed a significant absence. Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge were notably absent from the event, which has sparked a wave of political controversy. This has led to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) questioning their decision not to attend the national celebration.

The Red Fort event is traditionally a highly significant occasion in the country. The Prime Minister addresses the nation, highlighting key achievements and laying out future plans for the country. The ceremony is a symbol of India’s struggle for freedom and its journey as a democratic nation. However, the absence of top Congress leaders from such an important occasion raised several questions.

What Led to the Absence of Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge?

Sources close to the Congress party stated that both leaders had prior commitments on Independence Day. While there was no official statement from the party at the time of writing, rumors suggest that the party wanted to focus on organizing its own events across the country. Congress was reportedly hosting smaller gatherings in various states to commemorate the day and express their commitment to India’s democratic ideals.

However, this explanation was not enough for the BJP. The ruling party wasted no time in criticizing the Congress leaders for missing the flag-hoisting ceremony at the Red Fort. BJP spokespersons took to social media and press conferences, calling the absence a sign of disrespect to the nation. They questioned why Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, as prominent political figures, chose not to attend the historic event that marks India’s freedom.

BJP’s Response: Accusations of Disrespect

The BJP, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has used the absence of Congress leaders as an opportunity to criticize the opposition. BJP leaders have called it an act of disrespect to the national event. They expressed disappointment over the Congress leaders’ decision to boycott such a symbolic event, given its significance in India’s history.

“Independence Day is a day to celebrate the sacrifices made by our forefathers. It is a day to remember our freedom struggle. By not attending the ceremony, Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge have shown their lack of respect for these sacrifices,” said BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad.

BJP leaders have also questioned the opposition’s stance on national pride. “Their absence at the Red Fort event shows their disregard for the values that this day represents. They are more focused on politics than patriotism,” Prasad added.

Congress Defends Its Leaders

In response, Congress leaders have defended the absence of Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, claiming that it was a matter of personal choice and nothing more. They emphasized that their leaders had always participated in Independence Day events in the past and have contributed significantly to India’s democratic fabric. According to Congress, their decision to hold separate events was aimed at fostering a connection with the grassroots level.

“It is the right of any political party to choose how they wish to celebrate such an important day. Congress is committed to celebrating Independence Day by engaging with people across the nation. Our leaders have always supported India’s independence movement, and their absence today doesn’t reflect any lack of patriotism,” said a Congress spokesperson.

The Political Context

This controversy also points to the larger ongoing political battle between the BJP and Congress. In recent years, the two parties have been locked in a fierce competition for dominance, not only in national politics but also in regional power dynamics. The BJP’s use of the incident reflects its strategy to paint Congress as out of touch with the Indian masses.

On the other hand, Congress has repeatedly accused the BJP of trying to control the narrative of India’s freedom struggle, often sidelining contributions made by the Congress leadership during the independence movement.

Public Reactions: Divided Opinions

The absence of the Congress leaders has triggered a debate among the public as well. While BJP supporters have criticized Congress for not participating in the national event, many Congress supporters argue that their leaders were simply exercising their right to focus on other ways to celebrate India’s Independence Day. Some view the BJP’s criticism as an attempt to politicize a day meant to be about unity and national pride.

“It’s a shame that the BJP is making such a big issue out of this. Independence Day is about the country, not just one event or political party. Both parties have their own way of celebrating it, and we should respect that,” said Anjali Yadav, a Delhi resident and Congress supporter.

However, critics of the Congress argue that attending the flag-hoisting ceremony should have been a priority for the party, considering the symbolism attached to the Red Fort. They believe that by not attending, Congress missed an opportunity to show solidarity with the nation on such a crucial day.

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