# BJP attacks Rahul Gandhi over Red Fort event absence

2026-08-15T09:46:18+00:00 | Politics | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 2 independent outlets

Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge skipped the Independence Day ceremony at Delhi’s Red Fort for the second consecutive year. Times Now reports that the decision was linked to concerns over seating and protocol. Defence Secretary RK Singh had said Gandhi was invited and would be seated according to the Table of Precedence, after Cabinet ministers. In 2024, Congress had objected to Gandhi being placed in the second-last row despite his Leader of the Opposition status. The BJP criticised Gandhi’s absence and accused him of holding a “Dimagi Naxal” mindset and disrespecting Vande Mataram. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh rejected a separate BJP allegation that Kharge and Sonia Gandhi tried to stop the national song, saying Kharge was asking for a chair and that the full version was sung.

## Coverage

- deccanherald.com <https://www.deccanherald.com/india/dimagi-naxal-mindset-bjp-slams-rahul-gandhi-for-skipping-independence-day-event-at-red-fort-4112190>
- timesnownews.com <https://www.timesnownews.com/india/why-rahul-gandhi-kharge-skipped-red-fort-independence-day-celebrations-at-red-fort-article-155668799>

Tags: BJP, Congress, Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Red Fort
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