New Delhi, August 15: Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Saturday criticised Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi for skipping the Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort, questioning their regard for national programmes and occasions.

“Their absence reflects the level of respect and reverence they hold in their hearts for our national programmes, national pride, and this significant day,” Shekhawat said.

Kharge and Gandhi were absent from the main Independence Day ceremony led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Red Fort on August 15. Their absence has again triggered a political controversy, with BJP leaders criticising the Congress leaders’ decision.

Modi Leads 80th Independence Day Celebrations

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the national flag and addressed the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort during India's 80th Independence Day celebrations.

The ceremony featured a significant first: ‘Vande Mataram’ was rendered at the Red Fort during the Independence Day celebrations, before the national anthem. This year also marks 150 years of the National Song.

Calling the occasion historic, Prime Minister Modi said that it was the first time since Independence that Vande Mataram had echoed from the Red Fort on August 15. He also invoked the song during his address, saying that every heart was beating with its rhythm and that the Tricolour was present in every home and heart.

President Murmu Pays Tribute to Fallen Heroes

Earlier in the day, President Droupadi Murmu paid homage to India's fallen soldiers at the National War Memorial on the occasion of Independence Day.

Chief of Defence Staff General NS Raja Subramani, Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan and Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh also paid tribute to the country's fallen heroes.

India became independent from British colonial rule on August 15, 1947, following a prolonged freedom struggle and the sacrifices of countless Indians.

Absence Sparks Political Debate

The absence of the two senior Congress leaders has become a point of political debate on a day associated with national unity and the country's freedom struggle.

While Shekhawat questioned the level of respect their absence demonstrated for national programmes, other ruling-party leaders also criticised the decision. Congress, meanwhile, marked Independence Day through its own programmes and messages centred on the Constitution, democracy and national values.

The controversy comes against the backdrop of earlier disagreements over ceremonial arrangements and seating protocols at the Red Fort Independence Day event.

For now, the political sparring has added another layer to an otherwise historic 80th Independence Day, marked by the first rendition of Vande Mataram at the Red Fort during the August 15 celebrations.