Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:51am on 15 Aug 2026,Saturday India
Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge skipped the 80th Independence Day celebrations at Delhi’s Red Fort on August 15, 2026, for the second consecutive year. Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the national ceremony. Congress sources reportedly cited concerns over seating arrangements and ceremonial protocols that they said did not reflect their positions. Gandhi, as Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition, and Kharge, as Rajya Sabha Opposition leader, hold Cabinet-rank status. The decision triggered political criticism, with the BJP questioning their absence from the national event. The Congress leaders instead participated in separate Independence Day programmes and issued messages honouring India’s freedom struggle and constitutional values. (PC: PTI)
