New Delhi [India], January 26 : Jammu and Kashmir Congress president Tariq Hameed Karra condemned the seating of Leader of Opposition (LoP) Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge in the third row during the 77th Republic Day celebrations held in the national capital.
Speaking to ANI, he described the incident as "highly unfortunate," asserting that established precedent dictates the Leader of Opposition should always be seated in the front row.
"It is highly unfortunate and condemnable. It has a precedence that the LoP always has to sit in the front row," said Karra.
Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi attended the Republic Day parade at Delhi's Kartavya Path today. However, their placement in the third row has sparked a political row.
Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala slammed the Centre, stating that this act only reveals the frustration of a regime allegedly plagued by an inferiority complex.
"Does such treatment of the leader of the opposition in the country meet the standards of any decorum, tradition, and protocol? This only reveals the frustration of a government plagued by an inferiority complex. In a democracy, differences will persist, but this treatment meted out to Shri @RahulGandhi is unacceptable," said Surjewala.
Earlier, Kharge extended greetings on the occasion of the 77th Republic Day, calling for "defence of the principles and spirit of the Constitution."
The Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha wrote on X, "It is the need of the hour that we stand firmly in defence of the principles and spirit of our Constitution. Justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity, these are the enduring values bestowed upon us by our founders, and safeguarding them is our sacred duty."
"We must be prepared to make every necessary sacrifice to protect the Constitution. This alone will be our true tribute to the sacrifices of our ancestors. Once again, on this proud occasion of Republic Day, I extend my heartfelt best wishes to all of you," Kharge added.