BJP: Congress, Spar Over Opposition Leaders’ Seating at Republic Day Ceremony
BJP: The Congress on Monday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government of breaching established protocol by seating the Leaders of Opposition in Parliament away from the front rows during the Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path. The issue triggered a sharp political exchange, with both sides trading allegations over decorum, entitlement, and respect for constitutional positions.
Congress Raises Objections Over Seating Arrangement
Senior Congress leaders shared photographs from the ceremony showing Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, and Mallikarjun Kharge, the Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, seated in the third row. Party members described the placement as inappropriate and questioned whether it aligned with long-standing traditions followed at national events.
According to Congress leaders, the seating arrangement sent the wrong signal at a ceremony meant to reflect constitutional balance and democratic values. They argued that leaders holding such positions are typically accorded prominence during official state functions.
Kharge Later Shifted to Front Row
During the event, Kharge was later moved from the third row to the front, where he was seated beside former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar. While the change addressed part of the concern, Congress leaders maintained that the initial placement itself amounted to a lapse in protocol.
They contended that such issues should not arise at carefully planned national ceremonies and said the episode raised questions about the respect shown to opposition offices.
Opposition Leaders Voice Discontent
Congress general secretary Randeep Surjewala questioned publicly whether the treatment of the Leaders of Opposition met accepted standards of decorum and tradition. He suggested the incident reflected political insecurity rather than a simple logistical oversight.
Rajya Sabha member Vivek Tankha also expressed disappointment, stating that he was surprised to see Rahul Gandhi seated so far back. Tankha said he could not recall similar treatment being meted out to previous Leaders of Opposition, including Sushma Swaraj and Arun Jaitley, during their tenures.
Claims of Democratic Norms Being Undermined
In further remarks, Tankha said the seating issue went beyond personal slight and instead affected the dignity of constitutional institutions. He argued that Republic Day celebrations should transcend political differences and reflect equal respect for all constitutional offices.
Other Congress leaders echoed this sentiment, asserting that national occasions should not become arenas for partisan signaling. They emphasized that the office of the Leader of Opposition plays a critical role in parliamentary democracy.
BJP Rejects Allegations, Cites Protocol Rules
The BJP dismissed the Congress’s accusations, stating that seating at official functions follows a predetermined order based on the warrant of precedence. Party spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala said the Congress was once again projecting a sense of entitlement and personal importance.
Poonawala argued that several senior ministers were also seated away from the front rows and did not raise objections. He added that the opposition was attempting to manufacture controversy where none existed.
Counterattack Over Past Absences
The BJP also questioned Rahul Gandhi’s absence from earlier constitutional events, including the oath-taking ceremonies of the Vice President and the Chief Justice of India. According to party leaders, skipping such occasions undermines claims of concern for protocol and institutional respect.
They maintained that attendance and seating arrangements are governed by established norms and should not be selectively highlighted for political gain.
Past Precedents Cited by Congress
Congress Lok Sabha whip Manickam Tagore shared older photographs from previous Republic Day events, pointing out that senior opposition figures, including L.K. Advani, were seated in prominent positions alongside ruling party leaders at the time. He questioned why similar standards were not being applied now.
Tagore said Leaders of Opposition should not be subjected to differential treatment, particularly on occasions that symbolize national unity and constitutional order.