New Delhi, Aug. 15 -- Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge skipped the 80th Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort on Saturday, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered his customary address to the nation. This is the second consecutive year that the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha Leaders of Opposition have been absent from the ceremony.

According to a India Today report, the two leaders did not attend the event over concerns regarding protocol and seating arrangements.

The absence comes amid a continuing dispute between the Congress and the government over the seating of its leaders at official ceremonial events.

A controversy had erupted during the 2024 Independence Day celebrations when Rahul Gandhi, who had re...