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Independence Day 2026 : Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi did not attend the 80th Independence Day celebrations organized at the historic Red Fort in Delhi for the second consecutive year. Discussion has intensified in political circles regarding the absence of top opposition leaders in major official functions of the country. It is being told that Congress’s displeasure regarding the seating arrangement and protocol at the function is one of the main reasons for this distance. Congress says that in accordance with the constitutional post of Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi should be given a place in the first row at par with the Union Cabinet ministers.

Distance increased due to seating dispute of 2024

This entire controversy started during the Independence Day celebrations of 2024. At that time, Congress had raised objection about Rahul Gandhi being given a seat in the fifth row instead of the first row. The party had alleged that the post of leader of the opposition was not given due respect. However, the Defense Ministry had clarified that the seating plan was changed due to special arrangements for the players participating in the Paris Olympics. Despite this, the controversy regarding the seating arrangement did not end completely.

Continued distance from Independence Day celebrations

After this, controversies continued to arise on different occasions regarding protocol and seating arrangements in Republic Day and other official programs. The demand of giving due respect to the constitutional positions of the opposition has been continuously raised by the Congress leaders. In this background, Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge’s stay away from the Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort for the second consecutive year is being seen as political.

Protocol dispute became a topic of political discussion (Independence Day 2026)

The absence of opposition leaders at the Red Fort ceremony has once again fueled the debate between the government and the opposition regarding protocol. While the Congress is demanding a system commensurate with the position and dignity of its leaders, political reactions are also emerging regarding this issue. The absence of Rahul Gandhi and Kharge in important national celebrations like Independence Day has now become a major topic of political discussion.