On the 79th Independence Day, when the tricolour fluttered proudly over the Red Fort and the nation saluted to the bravehearts who took part in Operation Sindoor a landmark military success that crushed Pakistan’s terror infrastructure the absence of Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Rajya Sabha LoP Mallikarjun Kharge stood out like a blot on the day’s celebrations.
The government had announced days earlier that the Red Fort ceremony would include a special salute to the soldiers who took part in Operation Sindoor, hailing their courage in demolishing Pakistan’s terror camps and avenging the Pahalgam attack. Yet, the two top Congress leaders chose to stay away, preferring separate party events over the national celebration.
Many see this as a glaring case of political animosity toward Prime Minister Narendra Modi taking precedence over respect for the nation and its armed forces. The question now is: when national pride was on the line, why did the Congress leadership turn its back?
A No-Show That Raises National Questions
Rahul Gandhi marked Independence Day at Indira Bhawan in Delhi and Kharge at the Congress headquarters. Both posted tributes to freedom fighters on social media — but skipped the official event at the Red Fort.
Sources claim Rahul Gandhi’s absence was due to lingering resentment over last year’s seating arrangements, when he was placed in the fifth row behind Olympic medallists. The Defence Ministry had explained that front-row seats were reserved for honouring Olympians, with some Cabinet ministers also seated further back. The Congress dismissed this as “disrespect” to the Leader of Opposition.
But in the eyes of the public, boycotting the national event this year — when soldiers of Operation Sindoor were to be honoured — cannot be reduced to a matter of chairs and protocol. It’s not about seating; it’s about standing with the nation.
BJP Slams ‘Disrespect’ to Army and Constitution
BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla minced no words, calling the Congress’s absence a “national insult.” He accused Rahul Gandhi of acting like a “Lover of Pakistan” and putting hatred for Modi above respect for the Constitution and the armed forces.
“This was the national day of the country, not the birthday of a person or a programme of a single party. The Congress has proved it is not the Indian National Congress but the Islamabad National Congress,” Poonawalla said.
Referring to the Red Fort tributes for Operation Sindoor, he added: “Going against the army has become routine for the Congress. The LoP has always undermined the Indian state and now even refuses to stand with our soldiers on the nation’s most important day.”
Operation Sindoor: A Moment That Demanded Unity
The government’s decision to honour Operation Sindoor at the Red Fort was widely welcomed. The operation dealt a crippling blow to Pakistan’s terror machinery and was hailed as one of the most decisive military actions in decades.
By refusing to attend, Congress leadership not only missed the opportunity to pay respects alongside the rest of the nation but also sent a damaging signal to soldiers and citizens alike. This was a moment to set aside politics and show unity — especially when our forces are on high alert against cross-border terrorism.
Instead, Congress’s top brass chose partisan optics over national solidarity. The message was clear: political ego outweighed patriotic duty.
Social Media Storm and Public Backlash
Videos from Indira Bhawan showed Rahul Gandhi unfurling the tricolour in the rain, surrounded by party workers. But social media was quick to point out the contrast between that and the grandeur of the Red Fort event, where the Prime Minister addressed the nation, saluted soldiers, and pledged unwavering defence of India’s sovereignty.
Veterans’ groups and citizens voiced disappointment, saying the absence of the LoP during the tribute to Operation Sindoor soldiers was “demoralising” for the armed forces.
Even critics of the BJP agreed that Independence Day is above party politics. As one former Army officer put it, “If you can’t rise above political grudges on 15th August, when will you?”
When Hatred for Modi Blinds Loyalty to Nation
In a democracy, political opposition is healthy. But there is a line — and skipping the Red Fort Independence Day celebrations, especially when the event was honouring soldiers who risked everything for the nation, crosses it.
Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge’s decision reflects a worrying trend where political rivalries overshadow the basic duty to stand united on matters of national pride. Their absence was not just about protesting last year’s seating arrangements — it was a signal, intentional or not, that partisan grievances trump the spirit of August 15.
When hatred for one man blinds you to the honour of the nation, you’re no longer opposing a government; you’re undermining the very fabric of the country.
On a day meant to celebrate freedom, courage, and unity, the Congress leadership chose division. The soldiers of Operation Sindoor — and indeed, all Indians — deserved better.
