Rahul Gandhi, Kharge Skip Red Fort Event Again As Congress Flags Threats To Democratic Institutions

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi skipped Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 80th Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort for the second consecutive year. Their absence comes amid the lingering 2024 controversy over Rahul Gandhi’s seating arrangement, when he was placed in the second-last row. While the Defence Ministry had cited arrangements for Olympians, the Opposition had called it an insult. Kharge, meanwhile, used his Independence Day message to flag challenges to constitutional values, democratic institutions and social harmony, while calling for equality, justice and renewed hope.