New Delhi, August 15(HS):

In a move that triggered fierce debate and inflamed partisan divides, Congress heavyweights Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge were conspicuously absent from the traditional Independence Day celebrations at the historic Red Fort. The boycott stoked criticism from BJP ranks, who denounced Gandhi’s absence as an affront to national pride and unity.

Behind the Absence: Pride and Protocol

Party insiders attribute Gandhi’s no-show to lingering resentment from last year’s seating controversy, when he was relegated behind Olympic athletes rather than being accorded a front-row position—a breach of decades-old political protocol and a visible snub for the opposition’s leader. The incident still rankles, with Congress blaming the Defence Ministry for sidelining its leaders “in the name of honouring Olympic heroes” while ministers retained premier seats.

BJP Blasts Congress, Stirs Controversy

BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla launched a blistering attack, branding Gandhi the Lover of Pakistan and accusing him of dishonouring the nation, its constitution, and its armed forces.

“This is the national day of the country, not the birthday of a person or the programme of a single party,” Poonawalla charged, claiming Congress has become the “Islamabad National Congress or the Italian National Congress.”

He further alleged that Gandhi’s absence amounted to “an insult to the army, the Constitution, and the memory of martyrs and freedom fighters.” The opposition, meanwhile, dismissed his remarks as blatant political theatre amid intensifying electoral jousting.

Congress Celebrates Apart, Salutes Freedom Fighters

While skipping the Red Fort, Rahul Gandhi joined Congress colleagues at Indira Bhavan, where he took part in a flag hoisting ceremony led by party president Mallikarjun Kharge. Despite the rain, Gandhi and senior leaders paid homage to India’s freedom fighters, urging citizens to uphold the ideals of justice, equality, and brotherhood—the nation's foundational pillars.

Symbolism, Politics and Bitter Divides

The episode underscores the deepening schisms in Indian politics, where symbolic gestures carry immense weight. As protocol disputes and partisan mudslinging intensify, this Independence Day stands as yet another battleground in India’s unending tug-of-war over respect, symbolism, and the very definition of patriotism.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar