[Watch] Rahul Gandhi Skips Red Fort Event, Celebrates I-Day At Indira Bhavan; BJP Reacts

New Delhi: The BJP on Friday slammed Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge for “skipping” Independence Day celebrations at Red Fort in Delhi, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the national flag. The BJP called this as a “shameful behaviour.” Priyanka Gandhi also didn’t attend the Red Fort event.

“Congress spokesperson in TV debate with me just now confirmed that ‘LoP’ Rahul Gandhi skipped 15th August Program at Red Fort. This was a national celebration but sadly Lover of Pakistan Rahul Gandhi – in Modi virodh does Desh & Sena Virodh! Shameful behaviour. Is this Sanvidhan and Sena ka Samman?” BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla wrote on X.

Independence Day at Indira Bhavan

Rahul Gandhi, meanwhile, observed Independence Day at Indira Bhavan in Delhi. He joined Congress workers and senior leaders for a flag-hoisting ceremony. At this event, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge unfurled the national flag. Other party functionaries from across the capital joined the celebration.

Extending heartfelt greetings to citizens on the occasion of India’s 79th Independence Day, Kharge urged people to honour the legacy of the national movement by continuing the fight for constitutional rights, social justice, economic empowerment, and national unity.

Rahul Gandhi said independence is a commitment to building a nation founded on truth, equality, and brotherhood.  “Heartfelt Independence Day greetings to all countrymen. This freedom, achieved through the sacrifices of great freedom fighters, is a resolve to build an India where justice rests on the foundation of truth and equality, and every heart is filled with respect and brotherhood. It is the duty of all of us to protect the pride and honor of this precious heritage. Jai Hind, Jai Bharat!” he added.

What had happened last year?

Last year, a controversy was triggered over the back row seat allotted to Rahul Gandhi at the Red Fort event. While Opposition had criticized this move, government had argued that the seating arrangement was done in that way to accommodate Olympian.