Republic Day Row Over Protocol Puts Rahul Gandhi at Political Centre

New Delhi[India] January 27: Third row seating sparks political storm. The disagreement started during the Republic Day parade. It was happening at Kartavya Path. Rahul Gandhi & Mallikarjun Kharge were seated in the third row. Images spread fast. Congress leaders reacted strongly. They asked if this followed democratic protocol. Randeep Surjewala questioned the decorum openly. Congress MP Vivek Tankha called it a lack of grace. People online asked one question again and again. Why were opposition leaders placed so far back? Supporters felt it was disrespect. Critics said seating sends political signals even on national days.

BJP Defends Seating Using Official Rules

The BJP responded quickly. Party spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala said seating follows the Table of Precedence. He pointed out senior ministers were also seated nearby. None raised objections. BJP leaders accused Congress of creating drama. They said ego was placed above nation. Some supporters online agreed. They wrote rules are rules. Others disagreed. They felt the Leader of Opposition deserves visible respect. The debate grew louder. Was this about protocol or politics? Many viewers felt the issue overshadowed the parade itself.

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Evening Event Brings New Cultural Dispute

The row did not end in the morning but it moved to Rashtrapati Bhavan in the evening. During the President’s At Home reception, Rahul Gandhi did not wear a patka. BJP leaders alleged disrespect to North East culture. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma reacted sharply by calling this thing insensitive. The claim was that Rahul refused a request. This triggered fresh anger. Social media users asked, is clothing now political? Others questioned why only Rahul was targeted when many leaders wore no headgear.

Congress Pushes Back Strongly

Congress rejected the allegations firmly. MP Manickam Tagore shared images of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh without a patka. He said the President should not be dragged into politics. Congress leaders accused BJP of manufacturing outrage. They argued culture cannot be forced. Many supporters echoed this view online. They asked why selective criticism happens. Some neutral voices said respect matters both ways. The argument now had two sides. One spoke of tradition. The other spoke of choice and dignity.

History of Protocol Disputes in Indian Politics

India has seen protocol disputes before. Past opposition leaders like Sushma Swaraj and Arun Jaitley were treated differently, Congress leaders claimed. BJP disagreed. Republic Day has often reflected power balance. Seating and symbols matter in politics. This year Rahul Gandhi stood at the centre of attention. Reports also said Kharge and Rahul left the At Home early. Rahul did not greet the Prime Minister. Was it protest or coincidence? People remain divided. One thing is clear. Even national celebrations are no longer free from political tension.