'Dimagi Naxal mindset': BJP slams Rahul Gandhi for skipping I-Day event at Red Fort

The BJP on Saturday targeted Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi for skipping the official Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort, questioning his absence from the national event and accusing him of reflecting the mindset of what it described as the "Dimagi Naxal" ecosystem.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort after unfurling the national flag as India marked its 80th Independence Day. The ceremony was attended by several senior members of the government and other dignitaries. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar were among those present. Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and principal secretaries to the Prime Minister, PK Mishra and Shaktikanta Das, also attended the event.

BJP questions absence

Reacting to Gandhi's absence, BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari questioned whether someone holding the constitutional position of Leader of Opposition should voluntarily stay away from the official Independence Day ceremony. In a post on X, Bhandari said, "Rahul Gandhi misses being present at Red Fort. Can any patriotic LOP (Leader of Opposition), or an individual holding public office, commit such a voluntary act?"

The BJP spokesperson went on to allege that Gandhi's absence reflected his "hatred for Vande Mataram" and questioned his suitability to continue as the Leader of Opposition. "Rahul Gandhi is unfit to be LoP. Rahul Gandhi's mindset reflects that of a 'Dimagi Naxal' ecosystem!" Bhandari charged. The criticism came against the backdrop of Modi's Independence Day address, during which the Prime Minister used the term "Dimagi Naxal" while speaking about forces he said were attempting to weaken India's unity and development. There was no immediate response from Gandhi to Bhandari's remarks.

Second consecutive absence

This is the second consecutive year that Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge have stayed away from the official Independence Day programme at the Red Fort. Their absence last year had also drawn criticism from the BJP, which questioned why senior leaders of the principal Opposition party had not attended the national ceremony. The Red Fort event is the centrepiece of India's Independence Day celebrations, bringing together senior members of the government, political leaders, constitutional authorities, diplomats, military officials and other dignitaries.

Gandhi, who has served as Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha since June 2024, holds Cabinet-rank status in the official order of precedence. His absence, therefore, prompted the BJP to frame the issue not merely as a political decision but as one concerning the responsibilities associated with his public office.