Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Aug 15: National Democratic Alliance (NDA) leaders on Saturday criticised Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi for remaining absent from the Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort for the second consecutive year, alleging that their absence reflected "resentment" towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Union Minister and Republican Party of India (Athawale) chief Ramdas Athawale told reporters that the Prime Minister traditionally hoists the national flag at the Red Fort on Independence Day, with ministers, the Leader of the Opposition and other leaders invited to the ceremony.
"But Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge perhaps have a lot of resentment towards Prime Minister Modi in their hearts," Athawale said.
He suggested that one reason could be that Modi has surpassed the record of former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru as the longest continuously serving Prime Minister.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde said the Independence Day programme was not associated with any political party but was instead an occasion centred on patriotism.
"Many patriots sacrificed their lives for the country. On August 15, the Prime Minister delivered a speech on patriotism, but unfortunately, the opposition leaders were not present. This is very unfortunate. This is a programme of patriotism, and politics should not be brought into it," Shinde told reporters.
BJP national spokesperson R.P. Singh also criticised the Congress leaders, alleging that they make excuses to remain absent from national events.
"Whether it is the August 15 or January 26 programme, they (Congress leaders) make one excuse or another... They want to politicise every issue, which is why they remain absent from such programmes," he said.
JD-U national general secretary Shyam Rajak said August 15 was a day of great respect and pride and urged political leaders to set aside their differences and participate in programmes held in honour of the nation.
"Those who did not attend, their attitude towards the nation does not seem appropriate in some way," he said.
Earlier on Saturday, Union Minister Giriraj Singh also criticised Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, describing their decision to stay away as a "childish act" that did not befit the positions they hold.
The issue of Rahul Gandhi's seating had triggered controversy during the 2024 Independence Day celebrations. Despite being the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and enjoying Cabinet ministerial status, Gandhi was seated in the second-last row, contrary to the usual protocol.