Republic Day seating row: Congress accuse BJP of insulting Rahul Gandhi and Kharge

The Congress on Monday accused the BJP-led government of violating protocol and disrespecting the Leaders of Opposition- Rahul Gandhi in the Lok Sabha and Mallikarjun Kharge in the Rajya Sabha by seating them in the third row during the Republic Day parade at Kartavya Path.

Several Congress leaders shared images from the ceremony and questioned the government’s conduct, calling it a “protocol mess-up” and an insult to constitutional institutions.

Congress chief Kharge was initially seated alongside Rahul Gandhi in the third row but was later moved to the front row next to former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar.

Congress general secretary Randeep Surjewala posted on X, asking whether such treatment of the Leaders of Opposition met “any standards of decorum, tradition, or protocol,” adding that it reflected the government’s “frustration and inferiority complex.”

Rajya Sabha MP Vivek Tankha called the incident a “sheer lack of protocol and grace,” saying he was surprised and saddened to see Rahul Gandhi seated so far back. He noted that past Leaders of Opposition such as Sushma Swaraj and Arun Jaitley were never treated similarly.

Lok Sabha whip Manickam Tagore also shared older photos from 2014 showing senior leaders like L K Advani seated in the front row, questioning why the protocol appeared different now.

“By making Rahul Gandhi and Kharge ji sit in the back rows, you are not insulting individuals but constitutional institutions,” Tankha said.

Congress leader Kumari Selja also accused the ruling party of belittling the Leader of Opposition , whether in the House or outside.

"It is evident how, time and again, in one way or another, this government tries to belittle the Leader of Opposition and the dignity of his position, whether in the House or outside. Protocols hold great significance,” she said.

How did the BJP respond to Congress allegations?

The BJP rejected the charges, accusing Congress of placing entitlement and dynasty politics above democratic norms.

BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala said seating arrangements follow a fixed Table of Precedence, adding that even senior cabinet ministers were seated around or behind Rahul Gandhi, but none raised objections.

He also questioned why Rahul Gandhi had skipped past high-profile events such as the Vice President’s oath-taking and the Chief Justice of India’s swearing-in ceremony.