Republic-Day parade: Controversy over Rahul Gandhi's seating in 4th row
Today, India celebrates the joyous occasion of its 69th Republic Day. But, Congress is upset because its president Rahul Gandhi has reportedly been assigned a seat in the 4th row at Rajpath's Republic Day celebrations. His predecessor Sonia Gandhi would always been given the first row. Though Rahul claimed he wasn't upset, Congress members accused PM Modi of resorting to cheap politics. Here's more.
How is the seating for the Republic Day parade decided?
VVIPs' seating at the Republic Day parade is usually accorded as per the Warrant of Precedence followed by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Purportedly, the principal opposition's president isn't mentioned in the warrant of procedure. However, the leader of opposition (LoP) is mentioned. LoP is seated in the seventh row, while other MPs are seated behind.
What is Congress's grouse?
So, why is Congress upset? They claim that since Independence, their party president has always been seated in the front row, but this year was an exception. Gandhi's office, however, clarified that he will attend the parade irrespective of the seating. Congress also alleged that the BJP-led government hasn't followed the convention of facilitating meetings of opposition leaders with world leaders visiting the country.
Meanwhile, Gandhi wrote to India's citizens on Republic Day
Meanwhile, Gandhi wrote a 200-word letter to India's citizens on Republic Day eve. He spoke of our commitment to the tenets of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity. He added "More than ever before in our young nation's history, we must defend these treasured commitments."
