‘Their Absence Is Unfortunate’: Giriraj Singh Slams Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi for Skipping Red Fort I-Day Event (Video)

Union Minister Giriraj Singh criticized key opposition figures for their absence from the official Independence Day celebrations held at the historic Red Fort on Friday. He described their decision to skip the national event as "unfortunate" given the constitutional responsibilities they hold. Addressing reporters during the celebrations, Union Minister Giriraj Singh pointed out that neither the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, nor the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, were present among the dignitaries.

"Today at the Red Fort, I noticed that LoP Mallikarjun Kharge, the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, and Rahul Gandhi, the LoP in the Lok Sabha, were not present," Singh said. "Both hold constitutional positions, so I asked my colleagues why they were not present. It is a day of national pride and celebration. Their absence is unfortunate." Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge Skip Red Fort Independence Day Event for 2nd Consecutive Year.

The absence of top opposition leadership from the main state-level celebration triggered a political debate. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders voiced strong criticism, arguing that leaders occupying constitutional posts are expected to participate in non-partisan national observances. The Red Fort event, presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, brings together cabinet ministers, diplomats, military chiefs, and cross-party political leaders annually to mark the nation's independence. Independence Day 2026: PM Narendra Modi’s 75-Minute Speech Shortest in 4 Years.

‘Their Absence Is Unfortunate’

#WATCH | Delhi: Union Minister Giriraj Singh says, "... Today at the Red Fort, I noticed that LoP Mallikarjun Kharge, the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, and Rahul Gandhi, the LoP in the Lok Sabha, were not present. Both hold constitutional positions, so I asked my… pic.twitter.com/kyBOktR0ag

— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2026

While Congress party representatives maintained that both leaders celebrated Independence Day by unfurling the national flag at the party headquarters, the controversy follows long-standing friction over protocol. Congress spokespersons pointed out past grievances regarding seating arrangements at national functions, claiming that protocol standards for top opposition leaders had previously been compromised. Government and event organizers had previously clarified that seating arrangements at such events follow strict official guidelines, often prioritizing special guests such as Olympic athletes and visiting dignitaries in front rows.

Despite the political back-and-forth, the official Independence Day proceedings at the Red Fort concluded as scheduled, featuring the traditional flag hoisting, address to the nation, and ceremonial guard of honor.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 15, 2026 12:22 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).