Independence Day 2024: The Congress on Thursday lashed out at the Centre over the seating of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in the fifth row during the Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort and accused the ruling BJP of not giving due respect to the Leader of Opposition. A controversy erupted after Rahul Gandhi was seen seated several rows behind the Union Cabinet Ministers and members of the Indian contingent that participated in the Paris Olympics.
Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal said Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying "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."
'Freedom is our biggest protective shield'
Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Thursday greeted people on 78th Independence Day and said "Freedom is our biggest protective shield, woven into constitutional and democratic values".
He attended the Independence Day event at the Red Fort and later also participated in the flag hoisting ceremony at the AICC headquarters.
"Happy Independence Day to all countrymen. For us, freedom is not just a word - it is our biggest protective shield, woven into constitutional and democratic values," the former Congress chief said in a post on X. "This is the power of expression, the ability to speak the truth and the hope to fulfil dreams. Jai Hind," he added.
Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said, "Happy Independence Day to the people of the country. Freedom, democracy, justice, equality and unity are our national resolve. These values are the foundation of our Constitution, protecting them is our ultimate duty towards the country." "Our resolve to protect our freedom, the Constitution and its principles is firm," she said.
