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NDA Leaders Criticize Rahul Gandhi, Kharge's I-Day Absence

NDA leaders slam Congress leaders for skipping Independence Day celebrations

Mumbai Alert · Politics Desk
Mumbai Alert · Politics Desk
Politics Desk · Mumbai Alert News · Sat, 15 August 2026 at 09:21 pm
NDA Leaders Criticize Rahul Gandhi, Kharge's I-Day Absence

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) leaders have criticized Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi for their absence from the Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort for the second consecutive year.

According to Union Minister Ramdas Athawale, the absence of the Congress leaders reflects their 'resentment' towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Athawale stated that all ministers, including the Leader of the Opposition, are invited to the ceremony, but Gandhi and Kharge chose not to attend.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde emphasized that the Independence Day program is not associated with any party and is about patriotism. He expressed disappointment that the opposition leaders were not present, stating that it is a program of patriotism and politics should not be brought into it.

BJP National Spokesperson R.P. Singh added to the criticism, saying that the Congress leaders make excuses to skip important programs like Independence Day and Republic Day celebrations. He accused them of trying to politicize every issue.

JD-U National General Secretary Shyam Rajak maintained that August 15 is a day of great respect and pride, and everyone should set aside their differences and come together for the nation. He remarked that the attitude of those who did not attend the celebrations does not seem appropriate.

Earlier, Union Minister Giriraj Singh had also hit out at Kharge and Gandhi, calling their decision a 'childish act' and saying it did not befit the positions they hold. The issue of Gandhi's seating had triggered a controversy during the 2024 Independence Day celebrations, where he was seated in the second-last row despite being the Leader of Opposition.

The NDA leaders' criticism of the Congress leaders' absence from the Independence Day celebrations highlights the ongoing tensions between the two parties. The Congress leaders' decision to skip the celebrations has been seen as a sign of their discontent with the current government.

The Independence Day celebrations are an important event in India, marking the country's independence from British rule. The event is attended by the Prime Minister, ministers, and other leaders, and is seen as a symbol of national unity and pride.

In conclusion, the NDA leaders' criticism of the Congress leaders' absence from the Independence Day celebrations reflects the deepening divide between the two parties. The Congress leaders' decision to skip the celebrations has been seen as a sign of their resentment towards the current government, and has sparked a fresh wave of criticism from the NDA leaders.

The incident has also raised questions about the role of the opposition in Indian politics, and whether they should be expected to attend important national events like Independence Day celebrations. The controversy surrounding Gandhi's seating has also highlighted the tensions between the government and the opposition, and has sparked a fresh debate about the protocol and etiquette surrounding national events.

The NDA leaders' criticism of the Congress leaders' absence from the Independence Day celebrations is likely to have significant implications for the ongoing political landscape in India. The incident has highlighted the deepening divide between the two parties, and has sparked a fresh wave of criticism and controversy. As the political landscape in India continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how the Congress leaders' decision to skip the Independence Day celebrations will impact their relationship with the current government.

The controversy surrounding the Congress leaders' absence from the Independence Day celebrations has also sparked a fresh debate about the role of patriotism and national unity in Indian politics. The NDA leaders' criticism of the Congress leaders' decision to skip the celebrations has been seen as a sign of their commitment to national unity and patriotism, and has sparked a fresh wave of discussion about the importance of these values in Indian politics.

In the end, the NDA leaders' criticism of the Congress leaders' absence from the Independence Day celebrations reflects the complex and often contentious nature of Indian politics. The incident has highlighted the deepening divide between the two parties, and has sparked a fresh wave of criticism and controversy. As the political landscape in India continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how the Congress leaders' decision to skip the Independence Day celebrations will impact their relationship with the current government, and how it will shape the ongoing debate about patriotism and national unity in Indian politics.

The issue of the Congress leaders' absence from the Independence Day celebrations has also raised questions about the protocol and etiquette surrounding national events. The controversy surrounding Gandhi's seating has highlighted the tensions between the government and the opposition, and has sparked a fresh debate about the rules and conventions that govern national events.

In conclusion, the NDA leaders' criticism of the Congress leaders' absence from the Independence Day celebrations is a significant development in the ongoing political landscape in India. The incident has highlighted the deepening divide between the two parties, and has sparked a fresh wave of criticism and controversy. As the political landscape in India continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how the Congress leaders' decision to skip the Independence Day celebrations will impact their relationship with the current government, and how it will shape the ongoing debate about patriotism and national unity in Indian politics.

Frequently asked questions

Why did Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge skip I-Day celebrations?

The reason for their absence is not explicitly stated, but NDA leaders accuse them of having resentment towards PM Modi.

What did NDA leaders say about the Congress leaders' absence?

NDA leaders criticized the Congress leaders, saying their absence reflects their resentment towards PM Modi and is a sign of their attempt to politicize every issue.

ndacongressrahul gandhimallikarjun khargeindependence day
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