Congress Slams PM Modi for Demoting Rahul Gandhi's Seating at Independence Day Event

The Congress criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday for seating Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, in the fifth row during the Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort. They claimed this act demonstrated Modi's pettiness and disregard for democratic traditions. Sources involved in organising the event stated that all seating arrangements followed the table of precedence.

Congress Leaders Express Discontent

Congress general secretary KC Venugopal remarked, "Modi ji, it’s about time you wake up to the new reality post-June 4th. The arrogance with which you relegated Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi ji to the last rows during the Independence Day ceremony shows that you have not learned your lesson." He questioned why Cabinet ministers like Amit Shah and Nirmala Sitharaman were given front-row seats if Olympians were being honoured.

Venugopal further stated that according to protocol, both Houses' Leaders of Opposition should be seated in the front row. He added that placing Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge in the fifth row was an insult to their positions and to the people of India. "It’s amazing how uncomfortable the truth can make some people -- so much so that they’d rather rearrange the seating than face it," he posted on X.

Response from Congress Spokesperson

Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate accused Modi of having a petty mindset, stating, "It is futile to expect big things from small-minded people." She asserted that despite being seated in the fifth row, Rahul Gandhi would continue raising public issues. Shrinate also criticised the government for lacking respect for democracy and democratic traditions.

Shrinate pointed out that while Olympians should be honoured, Cabinet ministers were still seated in the first row. She questioned if ministers like Amit Shah and JP Nadda did not want to honour Olympians. "The Leader of Opposition is important because he makes the government accountable and puts it in the dock by raising people's issues," she said.

Further Criticism from Congress Leaders

Pawan Khera, head of Congress media and publicity department, also condemned the seating arrangement. He questioned if Rajnath Singh was taking revenge for being cornered by Rahul Gandhi on his Agniveer lies or if it was typical small-mindedness from PMO India. "I clearly remember BJP leaders were made to sit in the front or second row when UPA was in power," he said on X.

Congress leader Vivek Tankha expressed his disapproval on X as well, stating, "Why is MoD acting so petty!! Rahul Gandhi, the LoP Lok Sabha, seated on 4th row. LoP is higher than any Cabinet minister. He is next to prime minister in Lok Sabha." He urged Rajnath Singh not to allow MoD to politicise national functions.

Seating Arrangements at Red Fort

During the Independence Day celebrations at Red Fort, Rahul Gandhi was seen sitting behind several rows occupied by members of India's Olympic contingent from Paris. The defence ministry explained that this year's seating arrangement aimed to honour Olympians as special guests.

The Congress party's criticism highlights a broader concern about respect for democratic traditions and roles within India's political framework. Despite these criticisms, Rahul Gandhi remains committed to addressing public issues and holding the government accountable.