The absence of Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and party leader Mallikarjun Kharge from the Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort has drawn criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The BJP has called their absence "shameful behaviour".

While there was no official statement from the Congress party or either of the two leaders regarding their absence, sources suggest that Rahul Gandhi may have skipped the event due to dissatisfaction with the seating arrangements from the previous year.

Despite not attending the Red Fort event, both Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge extended their greetings to the nation on Independence Day, paying tribute to the freedom fighters. Kharge urged people to honor the legacy of the national movement by continuing the struggle for constitutional rights, social justice, economic empowerment, and national unity. Rahul Gandhi stated that independence is a resolve to build a nation rooted in truth, equality, and brotherhood. He emphasized the duty of all citizens to protect the pride and honor of this heritage. Both leaders marked Independence Day at Indira Bhavan in Delhi, joining Congress leaders and workers for a flag-hoisting ceremony.

In response to their absence, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla criticized Rahul Gandhi, stating that in his opposition to Prime Minister Modi, Gandhi was against the country and the armed forces, calling it "shameful behaviour".

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation from the Red Fort, focusing on building a "Viksit Bharat" (developed nation). He announced the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana, a scheme aimed at boosting employment opportunities in the private sector, and promised next-generation GST reforms. Modi also announced a demographic mission to protect the country from illegal immigrants, alerting citizens to a conspiracy to change the country's demography. He hailed Operation Sindoor and its heroes, stating that the forces "punished enemies beyond their imagination".

The 79th Independence Day celebrations also saw Prime Minister Modi make key announcements, including next-generation GST reforms and the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana for youth. He highlighted the significance of the day, marking India's freedom from over two centuries of British colonial rule.