After a decade-long hiatus, the Red Fort saw a Leader of the Opposition attending the Independence Day celebrations on Thursday.
Rahul Gandhi, dressed in a white kurta suit, made his presence felt as he joined the ceremony, marking a significant moment in the political landscape.
The Wayanad MP was seated with the Indian Olympics contingent, which included notable medallists such as Manu Bhaker, Sarabjot Singh, and PR Sreejesh.
The absence of a Leader of the Opposition at the Red Fort since 2014 was a direct consequence of the Bharatiya Janata Party's sweeping victories in the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
The required number of seats to hold the constitutional post had eluded opposition parties, leaving the position vacant for ten years. However, the 2024 Lok Sabha elections changed the equation, with the Congress party improving its performance significantly.
Rahul Gandhi was appointed as the Leader of the Opposition on June 25, after the party’s seat count in the Lower House surged from 52 to 99.
Earlier in the day, Rahul Gandhi took to X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, to extend his greetings on the 78th Independence Day. In his message, he emphasised the importance of freedom, stating, "For us, freedom is not just a word – it is our biggest protective shield, woven into constitutional and democratic values."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the national flag and addressed the nation from the historic Red Fort during the Independence Day celebrations.
In his speech, he stressed on the urgent need for swift action against atrocities on women, referencing the widespread outrage following the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College, which has ignited protests across the country.
PM Modi also touched on the ongoing situation in Bangladesh, expressing concern and hope for a quick resolution.
"As a neighbouring country, I can understand the concern regarding the developments in Bangladesh. I hope the situation there returns to normal as soon as possible," he remarked.
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