Congress alleges 'protocol mess-up' as LoPs Rahul Gandhi, Kharge seated in 3rd row at Republic Day parade

New Delhi: Congress on Monday accused the ruling BJP of breaking protocol by not allotting front-row seats for Leaders of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi at the Republic Day parade, asking whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi wanted to insult both the leaders.

Both Kharge and Rahul were seated in the third row at the VIP enclosure erected on the Kartavya Path where the Republic Day parade took place.

Congress Lok Sabha Whip Manickam Tagore asked if there was such a "protocol mess-up", sharing an image of BJP veteran LK Advani being seated in front row during the 2014 Republic Day parade when the Manmohan Singh-led UPA government was in power.

"This was in 2014—look at where LK Advani-ji was seated then. Why this protocol mess-up now? Is it because Modi and Shah want to insult Kharge-ji and Rahul-ji? Leaders of the Opposition cannot be insulted like this, especially on Republic Day," he said.

Senior Rajya Sabha MP Vivek Tankha said on 'X', "This is sheer lack of protocol and grace!! Maybe too much to expect in present times !!"

Senior Lok Sabha MP Tariq Anwar called it "deeply unfortunate", saying the Leader of the Opposition traditionally holds a special status. He said the post is often regarded as equivalent to a "shadow prime minister" in the Westminister system of government.

During 2024 Independence Day celebrations at Red Fort, Rahul was seated in the sixth row. Last year, both Kharge and Rahul skipped the Independence Day function at Red Fort.

In 2018 also, there was a controversy after Rahul, then the Congress president, was allotted a sixth row seat during the Republic Day parade.