Hubballi, Jan. 28 -- Union Minister Pralhad Joshi ridiculed the allegations surrounding the seating arrangement of Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge during the Republic Day celebrations, saying the Congress was unnecessarily trying to create an issue where none existed.

Responding to allegations raised by Congress leaders, Joshi said on Tuesday that seating arrangements for the Republic Day parade are decided strictly in accordance with established protocol and that these arrangements have been followed consistently over the years.

"One thing everybody should understand is that, as per the protocol, everything is arranged. When I was there for the first time, though I was the parliamen...