Congress President Mallikarjuna Kharge Boycotts Independence Day Function at Red Fort, Sparks Controversy
New Delhi: In a surprising turn of events, Congress President Mallikarjuna Kharge refused to participate in the Independence Day function at New Delhi’s historic Red Fort yesterday. The event, which marked India’s 77th Independence Day, saw Prime Minister Modi hoisting the national flag amidst thousands of participants including Union Ministers, political party leaders, military and government officials, and the general public.
Kharge, who had been allotted a seat at the ceremony as the Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, chose not to attend, leaving his designated spot empty. Instead, he participated in a flag hoisting function at his home in New Delhi and later at the Congress headquarters, further adding to the controversy.
The ruling coalition parties, including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), have strongly criticized Kharge’s boycott of the Independence Day ceremony at Red Fort. However, Kharge defended his decision, citing health concerns and time constraints.
“My eyes have been hurting for the past few days, making me uncomfortable,” Kharge explained. “The national flag should be hoisted at my house in the morning, followed by the party office. After completing these two programs, I will not be able to go to Red Fort on time. Additionally, there were security breaches, and I can only leave the premises after the ministers depart.”
These reasons, according to Kharge, prevented him from attending the Red Fort ceremony. However, opposition leaders and critics argue that his absence undermines the significance of the occasion and questions his commitment to national unity.
Meanwhile, in a video released on Independence Day, Kharge highlighted the achievements of past Congress leaders and voiced concerns about the current state of democracy and the constitution.
“Despite claims of tremendous growth in recent years, it was the actions of leaders like Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Lal Bahadur Shastri, and Rajiv Gandhi that laid the foundation for progress and development in our country,” Kharge stated. “Today, our democracy and constitution are under attack, and attempts are being made to weaken institutions like the Election Commission.”
In an interview with a news agency, Kharge further expressed his views on Prime Minister Modi’s Independence Day speech, stating, “Winning and losing elections lies in the hands of the people. Modi can hoist the national flag next year, but he ought to do it from his home. How can a country be built by someone who criticizes the opposition even on Independence Day?”
Kharge’s absence from the Independence Day function has stirred debate and raised questions about the role of opposition leaders in promoting national unity and cooperation. As the controversy continues, political observers eagerly await the developments and responses from both sides.