New Delhi [India], August 15 (ANI): The Congress on Thursday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led central government for seating Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, in the “fifth row” during the Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort.
Congress leader and former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot attacked the BJP, labelling it as narrow-mindedness and calling it a ‘violation of democratic traditions.’
Taking to his social media handle, Ashok Gehlot said, “Since independence, there has never been any controversy over the seating arrangement of the Leader of the Opposition on Independence Day and Republic Day because the Leader of the Opposition has always been given a place in the front row with respect.”
“Today, during the Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort, the Central Government has displayed narrow thinking by seating the Leader of Opposition Mr @RahulGandhi in the fifth row instead of the front row as per tradition. The whole country is watching how democratic traditions are being violated,” read his post.
Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate asserted that PM Modi exhibits a “petty mindset”, consistently revealing this aspect of his character.
“It is pointless to expect significant actions from small-minded individuals. Modi’s decision to place Rahul Gandhi in the fifth row during the Independence Day event reflects his frustration, but it does not deter Gandhi from addressing the people’s concerns,” she stated in a video on X.
“However, this act underscores a lack of respect for democracy, democratic traditions, and the Leader of the Opposition,” she added.
Shrinate emphasised that the Leader of the Opposition holds a rank equivalent to that of a cabinet minister, while government ministers occupied the front row.
“Not only was Rahul Gandhi relegated to the fifth row, but Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge was also assigned to the same row,” she stated.
Congress leader Vivek Tankha also joined in this sentiment, questioning Modi’s pettiness in a post on X, emphasising that the Leader of the Opposition should be seated higher than any cabinet minister.
Rahul Gandhi was observed sitting behind several rows occupied by members of the Indian contingent from the recently concluded Paris Games.
The front rows were occupied by Olympic medallists such as Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh.
Members of the Olympic-bronze-winning hockey team, including its captain Harmanpreet Singh and PR Sreejesh, were also seated ahead of Rahul Gandhi.
As per protocol, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, whose rank is equivalent to that of a Cabinet Minister, is always assigned a seat in the front row.
The front row was occupied by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Union Ministers Nirmala Sitharaman, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Amit Shah and S Jaishankar. (ANI)
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