Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation from the Red Fort for the 11th time on Independence Day, with notable dignitaries including Union Ministers and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi in attendance. The bronze medal-winning Indian hockey team from the Paris Olympics 2024 was also honored at the event.
Following the ceremony, controversy erupted over the seating arrangement of Congress MP Rahul Gandhi. Gandhi was seated in the back row, a placement that Congress leaders have criticized. Congress Rajya Sabha MP Vivek Tankha raised concerns, questioning the Ministry of Defense’s decision to place Gandhi, the leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, behind other guests.
Tankha stated, “Why is the defense ministry behaving so poorly? Rahul Gandhi, the leader of the opposition, was seated in the fourth row. This position is less prominent than any Union minister, despite his rank in the Lok Sabha. It appears the Ministry of Defense is politicizing the national ceremony.”
In response, the Ministry of Defense clarified that the front rows were reserved for the hockey players, necessitating Gandhi’s placement further back. The Ministry emphasized that there were additional rows behind Gandhi, where other guests were seated. The issue highlights ongoing tensions over seating protocols at high-profile national events.